Itetero.rw provides free access to lifesaving and life-enhancing information.

KIGALI, RWANDA - 20 October 2023 – Today, MIGEPROF/NCDA, RBA, Airtel, and UNICEF have launched the Itetero digital platform: Itetero.rw – an innovative digital platform with information and resources from the Itetero programme, which teaches children Rwandan cultural values and improves their cognitive development through stories and drama sketches. It also promotes better and healthier living for children, adolescents, young people, and caregivers.

Since October 2015, Itetero has been a popular radio and TV programme being produced by RBA and MIGEPROF/NCDA, in partnership with UNICEF. It is produced weekly on radio and TV, and till date about 360 radio and over 200 TV episodes have been produced and broadcast on Radio Rwanda and Rwanda TV. The key content for Itetero.rw comes from these radio and TV programmes.

The Itetero.rw platform hosts mobile-packaged content from Itetero Radio and TV programme and its partners. It is designed to make life-saving information available at no cost – even on low-end devices and basic web-enabled mobile phones. By providing greater access to information and feedback tools, the Itetero.rw platform also allows youth and citizens to participate in critical discussions and voice their opinions.

Itetero is now accessible free of data charges – in Kinyarwanda – on an Airtel SIM card via https://itetero.rw/rw/

Itetero.rw, which is powered by the Internet of Good Things, is bringing change in awareness and knowledge to critical areas such as Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Nutrition, Social Protection, and Education.  The topics include learning through play, Immunization and breastfeeding, the fight against malnutrition and stunting, and complementary feeding, focusing on a balanced diet based on locally available food products.  The initiative is also helping to bridge the digital divide and increase access to critical information.

“I am very glad that Itetero has rich content that is age-appropriate, gender transformative, and inclusive of boys, men girls, women and as people with disabilities,” Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion. “Itetero has been communicating to parents and care givers the critical information to nurture and care for children from conception up to the school readiness period. With the launch of itetero.rw platform, every content will be easily available and accessible to a large segment of the population.”

Users of Itetero.rw can find updated information on positive parenting and parenting tips, including information on the vaccination schedule and its benefits. Users can also create free accounts to comment on articles, ask questions, and participate in polls.

“A constant and continuous information flow is vital in today’s changing world. One of the greatest inventions, the internet, plays a huge role in bridging the information gap. It has enabled children, adolescents, women, and men to access useful content in their local language, on their basic devices, and continue to learn. Itetero.rw will enhance this learning journey by providing vital information on children’s survival, growth, nourishment, and development, thus improving the quality of life of all Rwandan children,” says Julianna Lindsey, UNICEF Representative in Rwanda.

UNICEF engages with the private sector on a shared value partnership to leverage resources to achieve and contribute towards national development goals. In Rwanda, the private sector – including the telecommunication industry – is considered a force multiplier for the country’s development and addressing the needs of children.

“On behalf of Airtel Rwanda, we are excited to witness the launch of Itetero.rw, which will provide greater access to life-saving information to many communities and individuals across Rwanda. We recognize that children and young people are especially vulnerable to misinformation online.” says, Emmanuel Hamez, Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda. “This platform is such an important education initiative for Rwandan families and we're proud to partner with UNICEF to ensure that they can access it for free. With itetero.rw, we are not only increasing digital literacy but also facilitating an environment where Rwandans of all ages are exposed to content that is fun, educational, and informative.”

Internet of Good Things is a UNICEF-led initiative, accessible in over 60 countries and territories worldwide, helping bridge the digital divide and build knowledge-based societies.

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About MIGEPROF/NCDA

MIGEPROF is a central government institution mandated to ensure strategic coordination and implementation of appropriate policies on gender equality and women empowerment, family promotion and children's rights protection. Among the affiliated agencies of the Ministry, NCDA is the entity established in 2020 to foster the development of children, the promotion and protection of their rights. The Agency does the overall coordination of all activities that support early childhood development, enhancing the capacities of parents and the Rwandan community to provide adequate education and contribute to the protection and welfare of all children.

Visit MIGEPROF via www.migeprof.gov.rw and X (Twitter)

Visit NCDA via www.ncda.gov.rw and X (Twitter)

About RBA

Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) is a Public Broadcaster established by the Law No 42/2013 of 16/06/2013. RBA’s mission is to be at the forefront of engaging audiences with quality information, programs, and multimedia services.

Visit RBA via their Website, X (Twitter), and Instagram

About Airtel

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company  operating in 18 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 3 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In Rwanda, it offers 2G, 3G, 4G wireless services and mobile commerce.

Airtel had over 456 million customers across its operations. To know more, visit www.airtel.com

For further information, please contact:

 - John Magara, Head of Marketing and Communications, Airtel Rwanda

Tel: +250 731 000 070, john.magara@rw.airtel.com

 - Aldo Havugimana, Head of Radio Rwanda, RBA

Tel: 0788312572, aldohavugimana@gmail.com

 - John Mbaraga, Communication Specialist, NCDA

Tel: 0788448396, john.mbaraga@ncda.gov.rw