Media communication is regarded as the power for national transformation and development. Notably, media take charge to inform, instruct and participate in any community development of a given country.
Rwanda as a country has had problems of qualified media practitioners; which was a menace to the country during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The bankruptcy of media in the country paved a way to media propaganda bent on hate speech.
Before the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, media practitioners were using gutter journalism which sowed the seeds of hatred among the Rwandans, thus culminated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Today, Rwanda is endowed with a new media training university which is linked to other International varsities that have media potential, the countries including; Uganda and Kenya are potentially good in media education.
With such attachment therefore, the East African University Rwanda has managed to bridge the media gap through training and giving potential knowledge to the Rwandan youth. To note, the University is manned by academic giants who are equipped with vision and potential. For example, Dr. Kabera Callixte, The Vice Chancellor, has graced the campus. He is on the helm of uplifting the standards of the East Africa University Rwanda which operates both in Nyagatare and Gasabo Districts.
Additionally, the bulk of journalists who are being trained will enable the country move forward and create a conducive environment bent on effectiveness, education, information and development. The initiative will inculcate good thoughts and strategies that will make Ndumunyarwanda a yard stick for social cohesion, which enhances social economic development. Last but not least, the establishment of the school of Mass Communication has become a beacon of hope to the nation, according to communication pundits.
For the right thinking members of the society it came to bridge the media gap that existed in the country. As put forward by Malcolm Bradbury, a renowned media author media are the most powerful entity on Earth. They have the power to change everything. Media can make the innocent guilty and the guilty innocent because they control the minds of masses.
Moreso, Rwanda as a country needs quality media which can help to stimulate social economic development. It can also help to sensitize the society to live harmoniously and bond together for the sake of social cohesion and Justice. Good media also try to make sense and stamp out the chaotic scenes. Media interpret, analyze, and strive to give meaning and sense to members in the community. This will enable the journalists to be not to permit a reverse of what befell the nation during the 1994 mayhem against the Tutsi.
The writer is Mr. Grace Mugabe, a communications expert Great Lakes Region
