Kigali, Rwanda, A new generation of young women journalists is emerging with confidence and purpose through a digital production titled Hot Takes Only, a Junior Ishya Show initiative that was initiated after students participated in a training program provided by ISHYA with sponsorship from FOJO Media Institute.
The training brought together 20 students from four journalism schools, with each university represented by five participants. After a competitive selection process, four outstanding participants were chosen to form the core team and begin the show.
The initiative is designed to amplify youth voices and encourage open conversations on issues that shape today’s society. Following five months of intensive training delivered by Ishya, the selected team transitioned from learners into active content creators and officially released their first episode on April 21, 2026, followed by a second episode on April 23, 2026.
The team says it plans to release more content in the coming days. Both episodes focus on real-life youth experiences and conversations that are often not openly discussed, with all episodes available on the Ishya YouTube channel.
Journey of growth
One of the co-hosts, Niyogisubizo Confiance from East African University, Rwanda, explained that her journey into journalism began in childhood, although she did not initially have a clear career direction. As a quiet child, she developed a strong interest in radio, and later in secondary school, while studying telecommunications, she joined and eventually led her school media club, which helped her discover her passion for media and communication.
When she joined East African University Rwanda in 2024, she felt her dream was becoming a reality. She explained that the Ishya training played a major role in strengthening her confidence and helping her realize that success comes through hard work, consistency, and self-belief.
Building confidence through training
Through the training, participants learned to trust themselves and accept growth through mistakes, which became a key lesson in their development as young journalists. She noted that at first she struggled with pressure to be perfect, especially in voice delivery and presentation, but later understood that improvement comes naturally with practice and patience.
Being selected among the four final participants from a group of twenty trainees was a proud achievement, especially in a highly competitive environment where all students demonstrated strong potential. She shared that her preparation included observing experienced presenters, practicing regularly, and researching how a professional host should lead a show and engage with co-hosts.
She described the moment she received her selection email as priceless and deeply emotional, saying it reflected both her effort and determination, and she felt grateful for the opportunity she had worked hard for.
About Hot Takes Only
Hot Takes Only is described as the first major youth-led show under Ishya, run by four young women from different journalism universities in Rwanda. The team includes Iribagiza Teta Meghan from the Institute of Catholic Kabgayi, Kubwimana Solange from the University of Rwanda, Igihozo Uwase Linah from Mount Kigali University, and Niyogisubizo Confiance from East African University Rwanda.
The show is designed to reflect the daily realities of young people by facilitating discussions on experiences, opinions, and social issues that are often left unspoken. All team members will take turns hosting the show, with each episode featuring a different co-host, as all members serve in co-hosting roles.
Youth conversations at the center
Hot Takes Only focuses on real-life issues affecting young people, including pressure, judgment, relationships, and personal understanding of life, among other topics. Through these discussions, the team aims to create a platform where young people can freely express their thoughts and experiences, especially on matters that are often not openly discussed or given adequate space in society.
The show highlights relationship dynamics, emotional experiences, and social expectations, presenting them in a relatable and conversational way that speaks directly to the youth.
Acknowledgement and Support
The team expressed appreciation to FOJO Media Institute for its support in advancing young women in journalism, as well as to their respective universities for providing both academic grounding and practical training that contributed to their skills development.
They also recognized Ishya Media Limited for creating opportunities for young women in media, describing it as a supportive platform that fosters confidence, discipline, and professional growth within the journalism field.
In addition, they acknowledged their mentors in media, including Aissa Cyuzuzo, Michèle, and Christella, for their guidance and continuous support throughout the training and development process, which played an important role in shaping their growth as young journalists.
Looking ahead
The Hot Takes Only team envisions the show growing into a recognized digital platform that not only represents young people in Rwanda but also expands beyond borders, creating space for meaningful youth conversations on a larger scale.
They also aspire to grow professionally in journalism, especially in storytelling and anchoring, while producing content that informs, connects, and reflects real-life experiences in society.
Through their journey, Hot Takes Only stands as a symbol of youth empowerment, teamwork, and the growing voice of young women in media who are ready to shape conversations and influence the future of storytelling.
