In the world of today the need of media is required as like the breath of society. It plays the role of mirror in the society; media like online – newspapers; radio and television play the role of acting as a bridge between the government and the people. Most importantly, in the microfinance sector, media is a key player in information sharing, best practices and advocacy.
The media not only aware the people about sector status, decisions, achievements but also explains the effect of these on the people. Media gives impact to people’s attitudes and habits.
Bearing this concept in mind, AMIR organized journalist training on Consumer Protection and Education. This training was organized in partnership with SEEP network and Media High Council. The training was part of a consumer protection program which is being implemented by AMIR: In four years to come, the SEEP Network in collaboration with AMIR and the MasterCard Foundation, will lead the Responsible Finance through Local Leadership and Learning Program (RFL3). The program’s goal is to scale the application of consumer protection principles for low income financial service customers.
March 25th 2017, AMIR concluded journalist training in Rubavu district. This training was organized by AMIR in partnership with SEEP Network and Media High Council. The ultimate goal was to have specific group of journalists that are specialized in business reporting, especially in the sector of Microfinance. The Consumer Protection and Education Training’s specific objective was to equip participants with basic knowledge and information related to the microfinance sector, with emphasis on consumer protection.
The training was attended by more than 28 journalists from different media houses operating in the country. Represented media houses include RBA (TV and Radio), Royal TV, Kiss FM, Contact FM, City Radio, Voice of Africa, The New Times Publication limited, KT press, Igihe.com, Umuseke, Makuruki, Imvaho Nshya, Family TV, and community radios.
The participants concluded the training, requesting AMIR to establish partnership with their respective media houses. AMIR reacted positively, and agreed on establishing such partnership with media houses for building a strong and flourishing microfinance sector. AMIR promised that there will be continuous refresher trainings to keep the selected journalists abreast as regard to microfinance sector and consumer protection.
Journalists who attended the training committed to efficiently play their role, they set up a steering commit that will be facilitating the function, and easy their daily activities.
The committee is composed of: Mr. Jean D’Amour Mbonyinshuti from The Newtimes Publication Ltd, Sylidio Sebuharara from KT press, Jean Claude Mutuyeyezu from RBA/ RTV and Jane Uwamariya from Kiss FM.
AMIR welcomed the journalists initiative and assured that there will be (1) regular sharing of information related to the sector of microfinance; (2) joint campaign/ media tour; (3) Microfinance Journalists Award.
