In Ngoma District, two students, Kanyamugenge Olivier and Hahirwabemerimana Yves, from Kabare School Group have successfully built a radio station capable of broadcasting within a radius of approximately three kilometers. They say they acquired the knowledge to do so through extensive study of Physics textbooks.
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Inspired by a Lack of Local Radio Services
The students explain that the idea of building a radio station broadcasting on the FM (Frequency Modulation) band currently operating on frequencies 94.9 and 95.0 MHz came after they noticed a gap in access to radio services in their community.
They felt it was important to provide information to local residents through a radio station of their own, which they named Plus FM.
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How the Radio Station Works
According to the students, their radio system consists of three main components: an antenna, an oscillator, and a mixer.
These components work together to transmit signals containing information in the form of electrical waves, enabling anyone with a radio receiver to tune in and listen.
Building a Transmitter from Old Radios
The students explain that they built the radio using locally available materials, including old and ordinary radio sets. By modifying their functions, they transformed devices designed to receive information into equipment capable of transmitting signals to other radios.
When asked how he managed to achieve this, Kanyamugenge Olivier told MUHAZIYACU that a radio receiver can also be converted into a transmitter because both systems share many of the same components; the key difference lies in how they are configured.
He said: “After studying Physics books, I took an old radio, removed the parts I needed, and assembled them using the knowledge I acquired at school. Eventually, I succeeded in building a radio station that people can listen to when they tune to the designated frequency. When experts design equipment, they often ensure that one device is closely related to another. A radio receiver and a radio transmitter are connected in that way. The difference is that one receives signals while the other sends them. The components are essentially the same; what we do is replace the receiving component with a transmitting one.”
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Broadcast Range Limited by Tower Height
He further explained that the radio currently broadcasts over a distance of about three kilometers. However, if he had access to equipment that would allow him to construct a taller transmission tower, the coverage area could increase significantly.
He said: “When you are in a valley, radio signals cannot rise high enough and then travel back down because the tower is too short. If the tower were much taller, the broadcasting range would increase. At the moment it covers about three kilometers, but with better equipment it could reach much farther.”
Dreaming of a Future in Technology
Kanyamugenge added that although he developed the project while still a student, his goal is to pursue it professionally in the future. He hopes to acquire advanced expertise and eventually earn a living from his innovations.
He appealed to authorities to support him where necessary. He stated: “My goal is to continue studying and develop these skills professionally rather than as a hobby. I want to reach a level where I can master technological equipment in Rwanda. The challenges I face include a lack of support and insufficient financial resources to carry out these projects using modern technology. I hope that, if possible, authorities can support me so that I can continue my education and achieve my dreams.”
Authorities Pledge Support for Young Innovators
Regarding support for the students’ achievement, MUHAZIYACU spoke with Dr. Jeanne Nyirahabimana, Executive Secretary of the Eastern Province, who emphasized the importance of identifying and supporting talented young innovators.
She said: “The fact that he accomplished this while still in school is impressive. Now that his achievement has become known, there are institutions responsible for supporting people with such knowledge and talent. Individuals with abilities like his have opportunities to receive assistance so that their talents can continue to grow. This is only the beginning. I will discuss the matter with district authorities so that we can follow up and ensure that these talents do not go to waste.”
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Talent with Potential to Benefit the Nation
The two students are pursuing studies in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB). With proper support, their talent has the potential to grow and contribute not only to their personal development but also to the advancement of the country as a whole.
