On Friday, March 14, 2025, representatives from the Fojo Media Institute in Sweden visited Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) to further strengthen the partnership between the two institutions. This collaboration has been primarily focused on Fojo’s support to ICK’s journalism department and its newspaper, ICK News, through the Rwanda Media Program.
The delegation was led by Mr. Paul Rapacioli, the Director of Fojo Media Institute, alongside Mrs. Annelie Frank, who oversees the Institute’s operations in Rwanda. They were welcomed by Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana, the Vice Chancellor of ICK, Mr. Jean Baptiste Hategekimana, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies, and other members of the ICK community.
The Fojo delegation was given an overview of ICK’s history and the growth of its Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies.
During their visit, the guests met with ICK’s leadership, who briefed them on the university’s history and the development of the journalism department. They also toured the ICK News newsroom, where they received insights into the daily operations of the newspaper, which Fojo Media Institute played a key role in founding and continues to support.
They visited the ICK News newsroom.
Father Prof. Dushimimana expressed his gratitude to Fojo Media Institute for their collaboration in advancing education in journalism and establishing ICK News.
He remarked, “In our very special way, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Fojo Media Institute, whose support has been instrumental in helping our staff and our students develop the necessary skills and competencies for today’s dynamic media industry. A shining example of this collaborative commitment is the establishment of ICK News, our online newspaper that provides students with hands-on skills and experience in news gathering and reporting, investigative journalism, and multimedia storytelling.”
Father Dushimimana also noted that ICK News has become a trusted source of in-depth reporting, reaching audiences across Rwanda and globally. “It is truly gratifying to see major media outlets in the country covering ICK News and even having it read by high-ranking officials. This is a testament to professional journalism, and it is what we strive to teach our students,” he added.
Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana, ICK’s Vice Chancellor
Mr. Rapacioli, the Director of Fojo Media Institute, commended the work of ICK News, emphasizing that it aligns with the institute’s mission of applying classroom lessons to real-world media practice. I had heard from my colleagues that ICK News was a shining light in the program.
I am also very happy that there is a place for students to take what they learn in the classroom and actually implement it in the newsroom. This is exactly what the mission of Fojo is — to connect the classroom and the newsroom, with a strong focus on practical experience. What I’ve just seen in the ICK newsroom is exactly that. It’s exactly what you would hope to see.”
Mr. Paul Rapacioli, the Director of Fojo Media Institute
Mrs. Annelie Frank, who manages Fojo’s activities in Rwanda, explained that one of the main reasons for their visit was to showcase ICK News as a leading student-run magazine. “There are two main reasons we came to Muhanga. First, we wanted to officially open the Rwanda Journalism Educators Network. The second reason was to show our director, Paul, one of the universities we collaborate with, and ICK News is truly the most impressive student-run magazine,” she said.
With only a year remaining in Fojo’s program in Rwanda, Annelie expressed her hopes for an extension of the partnership. “We really want to have a new program, and if we get one, we would like universities that provide journalism education, maybe in a slightly different way. However, it’s also up to our donors to decide what they would like us to do.,” she added.
Mrs. Annelie Frank, Program Manager for Fojo’s Program in Rwanda
Meanwhile, the Dean of ICK’s Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies, encouraged students to dedicate themselves to ICK News, as it has now firmly established itself as a reliable media outlet. “Students should invest their efforts, learn to make a strong newspaper, put laziness aside, and not be discouraged by those who doubt them. We started with challenges, but now we are on the right track, because funding and resources will be available. If we work together and perform well, they will gain the skills needed to secure jobs, and they will be sought after,” he said.
Jean Baptiste Hategekimana, the Dean of ICK’s Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies
Despite its notable progress, ICK News continues to face challenges, including insufficient resources for teaching and producing quality journalism, and limited capacity to sustain the newspaper. These challenges, however, do not detract from its ambition of becoming a professional, sustainable media outlet.
