More than 30 journalism students from the East African University Rwanda (EAUR) and the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) are undergoing a four-day intensive training in investigative and data journalism, organized by the Fojo Media Institute in Muhanga District.
The training, which runs from January 19 to 22, 2026, is facilitated by retired Canadian investigative journalist Steve Buist and is aimed to strengthening students’ practical skills in investigative reporting, research, data analysis, and ethical journalism.
Participants are taking part in hands-on exercises and practical sessions designed to enhance their capacity to conduct in-depth investigations, analyze complex data, verify information, and produce accurate and impactful stories.
Several students described the training as timely and relevant to their professional development. Denyse Uwamahoro, a journalism student at ICK, said the program offers young journalists a strong foundation in professional reporting and ethics.
“I was eager to attend because this training helps us understand how to write and report news professionally while respecting journalistic ethics,” Uwamahoro said. “I expect to go into the job market with skills that every media house is looking for.”
Six Butera, a journalism student from East African University Rwanda, said the training provides exposure to investigative journalism beyond what is typically covered in the classroom.
“I’m particularly interested in investigative journalism, where we learn how journalists dig deeper into stories, verify facts, write investigative pieces, and publish them professionally,” Butera said.
The sessions are led by Steve Buist, who brings nearly four decades of experience in journalism. Over the course of his career, Buist has worked on several high-profile investigative and feature stories and held various editorial and reporting roles in the media industry.
During the training, Buist said his focus is on equipping students with core newsroom skills. “My goal is to take students through the basics of news reporting and writing, investigative journalism, data journalism, and health reporting,” he said.
He added that the program emphasizes practical storytelling skills, particularly identifying issues of public interest and turning them into compelling, well-researched stories, an essential requirement in modern newsrooms.
By the end of the training, participants are expected to have strengthened their competencies in investigative research, data interpretation, ethical reporting, and storytelling, enabling them to produce high-quality journalism that informs the public and contributes to positive social change.
Fojo Media Institute’s Media Coordinator, Fulgence Niyonagize, said the training also provides an important platform for networking and knowledge exchange within the media sector.
“The training created a space for students to meet, network, exchange ideas, and share information about the media sector, under the guidance of Steve,” Niyonagize said.
The initiative reflects Fojo Media Institute’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Rwanda’s media landscape by supporting young journalists with skills in ethical, investigative, and data-driven reporting. The training is part of Fojo’s five-year media capacity-building program launched in 2021 and scheduled to conclude in 2026.
