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Lucie Umukundwa is undeniably one of Rwanda's leading female frontline reporters that has over the past six years, been criss-crossing the countries of the Great Lakes region of Africa (Uganda, DR Congo, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda) reporting on child abuse, refugee problems and conflict in general. But in spite of her lack of a formal journalism education like many journalists across the continent, her keen interest in the profession, backed by an unwavering motivation to respond to the people's quest for news, has landed her as the French correspondent for the Voice of America radio. Young, energetic and fearless, Lucie seems thoroughly versed with all of the issues and events that border on the wars in the Great Lakes region and their consequences particularly on children and youth; which is why she is the specialist on the Voice of America youth program in the Great Lakes region. "I have published many conflict reports and investigative analysis on a plethora of issues concerning the welfare of the cross section of the Rwandan people for six years now in different media in the Great Lakes countries and on the Voice of America," she said. Many of her reports are about the difficulties that refugees face in camps, the plight of street children, youth and women and the consequences of all these on national development in Rwanda and the countries of the Great Lakes region. She explained that the motive of her travels and reporting is to bring the plight of the most vulnerable to the international spotlight so that something can be done to alleviate their suffering. "On my travels across land borders to the various countries of the region, I have been manhandled and sexually harassed several times by armed men but never raped …I always keep calm but very bold whenever I approach and respond to their intimidating inquiries. But there is pain and suffering in Rwandan refugee camps in neighbouring DR Congo and Burundi as a result of separation of families, trauma, nostalgia and the fear of imminent rebel or militia attacks on camp residents who are mostly women and children," Lucie explained. On the media situation in Rwanda, Lucie dreams of the day when a free and independent press will gain a foothold in the country to enable journalists organise a national association that will promote the work of journalists outside the influence of government. INSI is a non-governmental organisation that was established on 3 May 2003 by a unique coalition of news outfits, journalist support groups and humanitarian campaigners to serve as an effective safety net for journalists and other media staff working in hostile environments. INSI, whose headquarters are in Brussels, has regional offices in Africa, Latin America and South East Asia. For further information about INSI or the Africa training please contact: Rodney Pinder, Director, INSI +44 20 7737 7628 or +44 7734 709 267 e-mail: rodney.pinder@newssafety.com Or Tamba Jean-Matthew III |