Students of Journalism and Communication at the University of Rwanda have received specialised training aimed at strengthening their ability to cope with stress and trauma linked to the demands of the journalism profession.
The three-day workshop, titled “Managing Stress and Trauma in Journalism,” was organised in partnership with the FOJO Media Institute and ran from April 30 to May 2, 2026. It brought together more than 30 third-year journalism students at the university’s Huye campus.
Participants were reminded that journalism often exposes practitioners to distressing situations that can undermine their mental and emotional well-being, and that safeguarding mental health is essential for professional effectiveness and personal resilience.
Dative Nakabonye, a mental health specialist and founder of Vuga Ukire, told students that journalists face unique psychological risks due to the nature of their work.
“Journalism is a profession that requires both physical and mental well-being,” she said. “Journalists work under pressure, tight deadlines and constant exposure to human suffering. Without proper coping mechanisms, this can lead to stress, burnout or trauma.”
Nakabonye explained that repeated exposure to distressing stories, such as violence, domestic abuse, disasters and accidents,can result in vicarious trauma, a condition where journalists internalise the pain of the people they report on.
She encouraged journalists to seek professional support whenever they experience symptoms affecting their mental health.
The training also addressed ethical and sensitive reporting, particularly when interviewing survivors of traumatic events, stressing the importance of avoiding re-traumatisation.
Dr Jeanne d’Arc Mukamana, a lecturer in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Rwanda and one of the organisers, said the initiative was designed to prepare students for real-world challenges they are likely to encounter.
“We want our students to graduate fully aware that journalism can affect their mental health and equipped with the skills to respond appropriately when such challenges arise,” she said.
Experienced journalists, including Athanase Munyarugendo, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda and Director of Radio Salus, and journalist Byukusenge Annonciata, shared personal experiences of reporting on emotionally taxing stories that later affected them.
Students welcomed the training,
describing it as timely and impactful. Twagirumuhoza Marc said it helped him understand how to manage stress and seek help when needed, while Mukarurangwa Agnes said the sessions challenged stigma around mental health.
“There should be no shame in seeking help,” she said. “Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.”
Story by Ruben MASENGESHO