Students from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies at the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) were thrilled to be visited by some of the institution’s distinguished alumni, who have gone on to become leading journalists and communication professionals in Rwanda.
This visit was part of a new initiative launched by ICK to connect current students with alumni, providing mentorship and guidance as they prepare to enter the job market.
The program aims to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice by offering students real-world insights from those who have walked the same path.
The inaugural event focused on students from the Journalism and Public Relations Departments.
Among the visiting professionals were Akimana Latifah from RBA; Anne Marie Niwemwiza, a journalist at Kigali Today and one of Rwanda’s most followed personalities on X (formerly Twitter); Vedaste Kubwimana, Head of Public Relations and Communication at the Ombudsman; and Xavera Nyirarukundo, a well-known RBA journalist and host of “Makuru Ki mu Binyamakuru?” on Radio Rwanda.
During the discussions held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, the guests emphasized that journalism is a demanding profession that requires passion, dedication, and ethical commitment.
However, they also highlighted the potential for great personal and societal rewards when journalism is practiced with integrity.
Anne Marie Niwemwiza reminded students of the importance of using their knowledge responsibly. “Being famous isn’t the goal. What truly matters is understanding who you serve, your audience,” she said. “When people tell you, ‘Thanks to your reporting, I found a job,’ that’s the greatest reward.”
Xavera Nyirarukundo echoed the sentiment, stressing that fame should not lead to arrogance. “I don’t see myself as a celebrity. I participate in community work just like any other citizen. I’m a parent and a Rwandan before I’m a journalist.”
The alumni also discussed the challenges that come with the profession, urging students not to be discouraged by obstacles.
Instead, they encouraged them to uphold journalistic principles, avoid self-promotion, and resist the temptation to treat the job as a path to stardom.
“Journalism is about serving the public,” emphasized Latifah Akimana. “A journalist is a bridge between the people and those in power. If your story helps someone solve a problem, that’s the true value of journalism.”
Students who attended the event expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.
Roger Rwema, a year-one student in the Department of Journalism shared, “These guests are ahead of us in every way, education, fame, experience, and even financial stability. Meeting and speaking with them opens our eyes to what lies ahead and how we should prepare.”
Obed Muhire, a third-year journalism student recently back from an exchange program in the Netherlands, added, “Sometimes in class we focus too much on becoming famous or making money. But this discussion reminded me that our priority should be to amplify the voice of the people, everything else will follow.”
Innocent Rutsibuka, a lecturer and Head of Department in charge of career guidance at ICK, affirmed that this initiative would not end with the Journalism and Communication Department.
“Next month, we’ll meet with students from the Education Faculty, followed by students in Social, Economic Sciences and Business Management Faculty in July, Sience of Development in August, and Nursing and Midwifery in September,” he said.
Mr. Rutsibuka adds that “The goal is to connect students with alumni so they can benefit from their experiences and enter the job market better prepared.”
Since its establishment in 2002, the Journalism and Communication Department at ICK has produced 872 graduates-637 in Journalism and 235 in Public Relations. Overall, the institution has graduated 6,026 students across all disciplines.
