Parliament of Rwanda
Last Updated on Wednesday, 05 September 2012 13:19 Written by Communications Intern Monday, 14 June 2010 14:14
Caption: Parliamentary staff members after training on audio and video editing for the new Parliament radio.
Political Coordinator
Hon.Alain Destexhe
Background
AWEPA has provided parliamentary support to both Chambers of the Parliament of Rwanda since 2003, which includes activities with parliamentarians and staff members. In 2012, the programme also involved Rwanda Parliamentary Networks and Forums.
AWEPA's Programme in Rwanda is focused on implementing projects such as field visits of Parliamentary Committees to Provinces, parliamentary seminars, and workshops in collaboration with experts, as well as visits in the framework of peace building. Training on technical issues has also been organised with staff members. In 2011, AWEPA organised an external evaluation of its programme in close cooperation with the Parliament of Rwanda, which led to a multiannual programme based on the strategic plan of the Rwandan Parliament.
Objectives
Early in the second half of 2011, a new Senate has been constituted by both election and appointment. This had an impact on AWEPA Programme but almost all planned activities were implemented.
The following objectives were achieved:
- A critical and prospective assessment of the work done by the Senate during its first legislature;
- Capacity building of Rwandan MPs on the submission and the development of legislation but also pertaining to the oversight of government action;
- The representative function of Parliament was strengthened via field visits;
- Technical capacities of the administration were enhanced especially in archiving; and,
- Parliamentary diplomacy was enhanced especially in the Great Lakes via exchange visits and meetings.
Impacts
The following impacts can be attributed to the actions of AWEPA in Rwanda:
- The training of parliamentary staff in audio-video allowed the building up of the parliamentary radio;
- The assessment of the first legislature of the Rwanda Senate together with "induction course" of new senators enabled them to be familiar with the parliamentary work, the legislative procedures and constitutional requirements; and,
- The meeting of the Speakers of “CEPGL” (Communauté Economique des Pays des Grands Lacs) member states contributed towards the reinforcement of Burundi, DRC and Rwanda relationships;
- The visit of the DRC Parliament delegation to the Parliament of Rwanda strengthened the bilateral relations which began in December 2009.
Example Activity
Due to the interest coming from Rwandan citizens about the work of the Rwanda Parliament, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate decided to set up parliamentary broadcasting on the radio. The main objective was to inform the population about Parliamentary work and the impact of the same. The Rwanda Parliament has gradually acquired the necessary audio equipment. After that, the Parliament requested AWEPA to facilitate technical training of Parliament staff that would be working on the broadcasting.
AWEPA organised technical training in audio and video editing where at least twenty staff members attended the training provided by the organisation Media for Development. The first radio broadcasts began on 16 January 2012 with interviews of parliamentarians on issues of public interest.
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