Students from the Department of Mass Media and Communication at Mount Kigali University (MKU) visited Radio Ishingiro, a community radio station in Gicumbi District, Rwanda’s Northern Province, on 23 October 2026 to gain practical insights into broadcast journalism, media operations and professional communication. During the visit, MKU mass media and communication students gain practical broadcasting experience at Radio Ishingiro.
The visit was part of the Department’s continued efforts to strengthen links between classroom learning and professional media practice. In fact, MKU mass media and communication students gain practical broadcasting experience at Radio Ishingiro during these field visits. It was not the first time MKU Mass Media and Communication students had visited Radio Ishingiro, as another group made a similar educational visit in November 2025. The continued engagement provides students with opportunities to learn directly from media practitioners, understand the operations of community radio and appreciate the professional and ethical responsibilities of journalists.
The educational field visit provided students with an opportunity to connect classroom learning with the realities of working in a professional media environment. Discussions focused on ethical journalism, responsible communication, accuracy in reporting and the role of community radio in informing and serving the public.
The delegation was welcomed by Ildephonse Sinabubariraga, Managing Director of Radio Ishingiro, who shared insights into the responsibilities of journalists and the contribution of community radio to public awareness and community development.
“Journalism is a profession that carries a great responsibility to the public. Every journalist must strive to report accurately, verify information and uphold ethical standards, even when working under pressure,” Sinabubariraga said.
He further encouraged the students to appreciate the influence of broadcasting in society, noting that community radio plays an important role in providing information that responds to the needs and experiences of local communities. As a result, MKU mass media and communication students gain practical broadcasting experience at Radio Ishingiro that helps prepare them for significant roles in the media industry.
“Community radio is more than a platform for broadcasting news. It is a space where communities can share their concerns, access reliable information and participate in conversations about issues that affect their lives,” he added.
The visit also exposed students to the practical demands of broadcast journalism, including preparing news content, communicating information clearly and understanding the importance of credibility in maintaining public trust. The discussions highlighted the need for journalists to balance the speed of reporting with accuracy, fairness and respect for the people they cover.
Lecturers Waweru Michael and Dr Cindy Kinuthia, who led the delegation, emphasized the importance of practical learning in preparing students for careers in the media industry.
Waweru Michael noted that exposure to working media organisations helps students understand how the principles taught in class are applied in professional settings.
“Field visits give students an opportunity to see how journalism works beyond textbooks. They help learners connect theory with practice, ask questions and develop a clearer understanding of the skills and professional standards required in the newsroom,” he said. Therefore, MKU mass media and communication students gain practical broadcasting experience at Radio Ishingiro, which bridges the gap between academic instruction and professional practice.
Dr Cindy Kinuthia highlighted the importance of ethical awareness and responsible communication in the development of future media professionals.
“Technical skills are essential in journalism, but they must be supported by integrity, critical thinking and a strong commitment to ethical practice. We want our students to understand not only how to produce media content, but also the responsibility that comes with informing the public,” she said.
The visit forms part of Mount Kigali University’s commitment to experiential learning, enabling students to interact with industry professionals and gain a broader understanding of their future careers. By engaging directly with media practitioners, students are better positioned to appreciate the expectations of the profession and the evolving demands of the broadcasting industry.
Through initiatives such as this, MKU continues to promote learning beyond the classroom, equipping students with practical knowledge, professional awareness and skills relevant to the workplace. The experience also reflects the University’s emphasis on preparing future-ready graduates who can contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s media and communication sector.
The Radio Ishingiro visit reinforces the value of industry engagement in journalism education, particularly in developing responsible communicators who understand the importance of public trust, ethical reporting and community service. In conclusion, MKU mass media and communication students gain practical broadcasting experience at Radio Ishingiro, setting a benchmark for experiential learning in Rwanda’s higher education sector.