1) Introduction
In May 2023, Rwanda Journalist Association organized a one-day training session on on descent job for unemployed youth. This training was the second part, organized to implement the recommendations from one-day training session organized in September 2022, which was followed by a field visit made by a team of trained journalists in different areas of the country and a radio talk show organized on 6th November 2022.
2) Training details
Date: 12th May 2023
Organizer: Rwanda Journalists Association
The Training brought together 3 women and 17 men
3) Training Objectives
The main objective of this training was to provide attendees with practical knowledge to effectively engage with youth job creation initiatives, identify challenges/barriers and shape upcoming and existing opportunities to attend a welfare of the future generations.
4) Training outcome
Trained journalists increased knowledge and skills in identify, analyzing and reporting on key challenges/barriers to descent job for unemployed youth
Trained journalists have sufficient information and data on youth job creation initiatives, its best practices and the role of media in substantially increasing job opportunities for youth;
Journalists have a better understanding on the unemployed youth environment;
5) Lessons Learned
Several valuable lessons emerged from the training:
Journalists have realized the importance of advocacy in their reporting. By shedding light on the challenges faced by unemployed youth and advocating for solutions, journalists can play a crucial role in driving change and fostering a more inclusive job market.
Trained Journalists learned the importance of solutions-oriented reporting. Instead of just highlighting problems, journalists can focus on showcasing initiatives, policies, and programs that are effectively addressing youth unemployment and breaking down barriers to decent jobs.
6) News Stories and Impact:
Following the training, a total of 20 news stories were aired and published across various media platforms. These stories highlighted the success stories of young people who have sought other opportunities in technical jobs that are more likely than what they have learned, rather than staying unemployed.
7) Trainers and Senior Speakers
1. HABIMANA Jean Pierre, Youth Employment and Skills Promotion Specialist at Ministry of Youth – MINIYOUTH
2. Abdallah NZABANDORA- Coordinator of Work Based Learning program at Ministry of Public Service and Labor – MIFOTRA
3. Eugene HAGABIMANA, Head of Department at the School of Journalism and communication /UR
4. Richard Dan IRAGUHA, Media Expert
Some training photos
One of trainees asking questions during interaction session Jean Pierre Habimana from MINIYOUTH SPEAKING ON The labor market, youth employment opportunities status and issues
II. RADIO/TV TALK SHOWS
No Date Talk show topic Guest panelists Estimated audience
1 06/11/2022 Decent Jobs Initiatives for Youth in Rwanda Prof. Jean Bosco HARELIMANA/RCA
Mrs TETERO Solange/MYCULTURE,
Mr. Sylvere NTIRAMPEBA/MIFOTRA
Mr. Jean de Dieu BAGIRIHIRWE/CESTRAL 3-4M
2 13/11/2022 Inclusion of People with disabilities in socio-economic and development in Rwanda Mr. Stafford RUBAGUMYA/Entrepreneur
Dr Donatille KANIMBA/RUB,
Mr. TWAGIRIMANA Eugene/NUDOR
Mr. Theoneste KAMANZI/NCPD. 3-4M
3 20/11/2022 The place of vulnerable women in socio-economic development
Rev Dr. Appoline KABERA/Civil Society
Mrs. Joselyne IRAGENA/CPR
Mrs Jacqueline KAYITARE/Mayor Muhanga
Mrs. Martine URUJENI/City of Kigali. 3-4M
4 11/06/2023 Decent jobs for unemployed youth- employment opportunities and identified barriers HABIMANA Jean Pierre from MINIYOUTH
KANANGA Patrick from MIFOTRA
GANZA Bertin, self-employed youth 7-7.5M
5 10/12/2023 Inclusion of People with Disabilities in development programs Emmanual Ndayisaba/NCPD
Cladine Mukarusine/ NUDOR 7-7.5M
Outcome of talk shows
– The City of Kigali has set up markets designated for vulnerable women who are ex-street vendors. The rent was paid for them in these new markets and they were provided with capital loans through the VUP financial services programme
– After awareness made, the number of commercial banks offering financial products for women has been increased and some of them give loan to women without collateral
– The talk shows on Inclusion of People with Disabilities in development programs focused on the importance of inclusivity in socioeconomic development and highlighted the contributions of people with disabilities. The outcome include raising awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing education, employment, and other opportunities. The discussion also emphasized the need for policy interventions, community support, and inclusive practices to ensure the full participation and empowerment of people with disabilities in Rwanda’s development agenda.