KIGALI — Twenty journalism students from four Rwandan universities gathered at Kigali Paramount Hotel on March 25, 2026, for a hands-on training workshop on artificial intelligence and Google tools for journalism.
The training was organized by the Rwanda Media Programme under the FOJO Media Institute in partnership with the Google News Initiative (GNI). Participants came from East African University Rwanda (EAUR), Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK), Mount Kigali University (MKU), and the University of Rwanda (UR).
The workshop was facilitated by Ken Kiunga, a Google News Initiative trainer for Sub-Saharan Africa, who focused on practical ways journalists can use AI tools, including Google Gemini and NotebookLM, in their work.
Students were trained in fact-checking, generating story ideas, and using effective prompts to obtain accurate and relevant information. They were also introduced to Google research tools for tracking trending topics and analyzing public interest.
“AI is reshaping how information is created, shared, and consumed,” Kiunga said. “Journalists who understand how to use these tools for writing, editing, and publishing will remain competitive in the industry.”
Participants said the training provided practical skills they expect to apply in their careers.
Rogers Uwineza, a journalism student at Mount Kigali University specializing in sports communication, said the tools would improve his research. “As a sports journalist, I often need detailed information on player history and team statistics,” he said. “These tools will help me access accurate and up-to-date data to improve my reporting.”
Niyonkuru Guillaume Gilbert, a student from the School of Mass Communication at EAUR, said the training would support both efficiency and accuracy in his work. “I expect these tools to help me work more efficiently by providing reliable sources, summarizing content, and improving my writing without losing key information,” he said. “Fact-checking will also help reduce the spread of misinformation.”
Claudine Mahoro, University Coordinator at the FOJO Media Institute, said the organization plans to continue supporting students as digital tools evolve, including through additional online training sessions.
