Colleagues who don’t know your role, hold back support

Alice Rwema Iribagiza is the communications officer Plan Rwanda, the local chapter of Plan International – one of the oldest and largest children’s development organisations in the world. Challenging as her job is, she told Moses Opobo that it is also rewarding. How does Plan International Rwanda work with children? Founded over 75 years ago, Plan International works in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty. Plan is independent, with no religious, political or government affiliation. Our vision is of a world in which all children achieve their full potential in societies that respect people’s rights and dignity. Plan has been operating in Rwanda since January 2007, helping poor children to access their rights to health, quality education, and a sustainable future. Currently we work with more than 12,000 sponsored children, their families, and communities in Gatsibo, Nyaruguru and Bugesera districts. As communications officer, what role do you play in the organisation? My job is basically to promote a positive image of Plan Rwanda internally and externally. I handle the media, design and plan local campaigns, strengthen internal communication systems, structures and procedures, build capacity of Plan Rwanda’s staff to document, package and share learning experiences, and Compile, package and publish program and corporate communications in accordance with Plan’s Global Identity. What is the biggest challenge you have met on the job? Being responsible for promoting a positive image of an international organization is not easy as wherever you go, whatever you do, and whatever you say, even privately, the shadow of the organization follows you. It requires attention to detail, perfection and consistency in everything you do and say. Secondly, Communication is a brand new concept in Rwanda and few people know what a communications person does. They haven’t yet understood that communication goes way beyond message delivery! They haven’t understood the vital role of having a communications person in their companies. When you working with people who don’t understand your role, is a challenge because it holds back the support you are supposed to give or receive. What is the most rewarding aspect of this job? When you see your company gradually getting recognised and known, you feel proud of being part of something great! I know that many Rwandan children depend, in one way or another, on the work we do. For example, if I write a case study and I get a media person to pick it up- I know that the voice of that child will be heard and this will bring positive change in his or her life and the lives of those around. Again, if our fundraising countries invest more in a project as a result of swift updates and communication on the project, I thank God for the improved livelihoods of communities that are going to benefit from that project. Lastly, translating the technical work we do from the field into a language that the external audience understands is very rewarding, as it requires giving the best that is deep within you.