Journalism students from the Institut Catholique de Kabagayi (ICK) and the University of Rwanda (UR) have embarked on a four-day intensive training program aimed at equipping them with skills in investigative reporting.
The training, which began on Monday, March 31, 2025, is being held in Huye District and is organized by the Fojo Media Institute through the Rwanda Media Programme.
The program is facilitated by Steve Buist, a Canadian journalist with a master’s degree in Journalism from the University of South Africa. Buist, who retired two years ago after more than 40 years in journalism, brings extensive experience in investigative reporting to the training.
Steve Buist, the trainer
Speaking to ICK News, Buist highlighted the importance of investigative journalism, and the skills participants will acquire during the program.
“During this four-day training, students will learn how to gather information, process it, and structure their reports based on key ideas,” Buist explained.
He further emphasized the importance of passion in journalism, stating: “Journalism is a calling. It’s about collecting information and sharing it with the public. When you love what you do, knowledge builds on passion, leading to professionalism.”
The training has been well received by students, who see it as an opportunity to enhance their journalistic capabilities.
Seth Kefa Ishimwe Yarakoze, a second-year Journalism and Communication student at UR, expressed his enthusiasm for the training.
“We are being trained by someone with extensive experience in the field. He has a lot to share with us, and we have already started learning valuable lessons. I am confident that by the end of this training, I will have mastered investigative journalism,” he said.
He added that while students were familiar with writing general news stories, they expected to gain deeper knowledge of investigative reporting, which is considered one of the most challenging forms of journalism.
Bardine Iratuzi, a third-year Journalism student at ICK, described the training as a rare and valuable opportunity to learn from an experienced journalist.
“Students often avoid investigative journalism because it is difficult and sometimes even risky. However, meeting an expert in this field has encouraged me to overcome my fears and learn the techniques involved. After this training, I want to understand how to produce investigative stories—what to focus on—and help my fellow students who couldn’t attend,” she stated.
The training, which has attracted 20 participants, will conclude on Thursday, April 3, 2025.