The Oxford dictionary defines education as "the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction especially at a school or university.”

Everyone that has had the chance to go to school has been subjected to this process; sitting in an enclosed room with a book, a pen and a piece of paper, listening to and noting down instructions given by someone called a teacher.

Education came about as a solution to difficulty in passing knowledge from one generation to another. Schools were set up, people were hired to pass on the knowledge, a vast number of subjects like History, Science, Geography and Mathematics were borne and thus, the process of "systematic instruction” began. 

For at least two centuries, this has been the mode of training, with a few adjustments every now and then depending on the needs of society at a given time. Since its inception, people have had to spend all their childhood and some part of their adult life trying to complete the process of formal education, given its various levels. The subjects change but the environment is generally the same; enclosed and restricted, complete with listening and noting down instructions. 

The balance between education and talent in schools

The education system has always been flawed; students have always been placed in a restricted environment and taught a vast number of subjects, most of which are theoretical. This type of setting limits the students to the idea of working hard in school, graduating and then hunting for jobs. However, with the soaring levels of unemployment and the reward for talent today, it is only prudent that the narrative must change. And the government is aware of the changing trend in this global world.

Joyce Musabi, the head of department for curriculum development at the Rwanda Education Board, says the government is in the process of making reforms in the school curriculum to include subjects that illuminate the students’ personal skills and talents. The reforms will begin to take place in January 2016, according to her, but they can only go as far due to limited facilities and resources. 

As to whether there is a provision to give special attention to students who are academically challenged, Musabi says such an undertaking would be ideal but because of the various programmes government is funding, it is overstretched and is currently unable to avail all the required facilities and human resource to fully implement that venture. She, however, advises students who find a challenge with formal education to join vocational institutions upon completing the ordinary level.

Emmanuel Hakizimana, the deputy head teacher of Remera Catholic II, a primary school, says: "I believe it is possible for a child to succeed using his talent even if they don’t get formal education. It is, however, difficult to give special training to the students who are academically challenged but talented in other arenas since there are limited materials and resources. Also, the curriculum doesn’t leave enough time for teaching various subjects since pupils study in two shifts.” 

In public secondary schools, there is a provision for co-curricular activities but without much emphasis since students are only graded according to their academic performance.

Still, there is a wide contrast between public schools and international schools. For instance at Green Hills Academy (an international school), students are given a test. Once a student is found to have a learning disability in a certain subject, time is created to give them special attention until they improve.

In addition to that, an ICT programme is being developed where students will be able to learn at different paces according to their abilities. The school is also endowed with a vast number of extracurricular activities ranging from sports to debates, writing competitions and school clubs from which the students can choose.

Alpana Mukherjee,the school principal, says the extracurricular activities are thirty-five to be exact. In her words, "Green Hills Academy exposes the students to a wide curriculum that is inclusive of different cultures, languages and activities. The Rwandan culture is also highly celebrated at the school.”

When asked how a wide curriculum helps students beyond the school gates, she proudly says, "A wide curriculum helps students to become open minded and thus, they become global citizens.”

Education vs. talent

It is a well-known fact that every human being is exceptional. Every individual has their own set of characteristics that sets them apart. The world continues to fill up with people who, having recognised their talents put all their efforts in utilising them to make a name and a future for themselves.

They are the celebrities shining bright in the limelight, often with their faces appearing in media in every city and every country and every continent. They are the billionaires whose fortune makes them more powerful than presidents. It is important to note that these people are not necessarily the most educated people. 

In Rwanda alone, there is a long list of people who have achieved success and built a name for themselves using their talents as opposed to acquiring formal education. Take Emery Gatsinzi aka Riderman, for instance. He dropped out of school to pursue his dream of becoming a musician.

He has, since, won several awards and become a front runner in advocating for the development of the music industry in the country. Other people who have successfully pursued their dreams include Niyonzima Haruna, the talented midfielder for the Yanga Africans in the Tanzania premier league, musician Eric Senderi, and award winning artiste King James. 

Of course, education is important. It is the main source of enlightenment world over. Sometimes education is the only thing that stands in the way of someone’s success even when they are highly talented. A story is told of Shaquille O’neal, a basketball player.

When he was drafted into the National Basketball Association, he spent the first million that he earned within 30 minutes. O’neal then received a phone call from his banker, who scolded him, and told him that he would end up joining the list of former athletes who ended up broke if the current trend continued.

O’neal decided to return to college, completing his Bachelor’s degree, followed by his M.B.A, and lastly, his Ph.D. As of today, he is the joint owner of 155 Five Guys Burgers restaurants, 17 Auntie Annie’s Pretzels restaurants, 150 car washes, 40 24-hour fitness centers, among other numerous business holdings.

O’neal also earns millions of US dollars from other business endorsements with various companies. When asked about the secret to his success, he said, "It is not about how much money you make. The question is, are you educated enough to KEEP it?”

However, it is important to know that there are many roads to success. The frustration that comes with constant failure as one is being pushed and steered towards a career that does not favour their natural abilities can ruin one’s childhood and future. It is the role of parents and teachers to help the children identify their talents and then offer support and encouragement in the direction that best suits them.

For instance, parents of children who have artistic ability can buy them drawing materials and take them to visit art exhibitions. The musically talented children can be encouraged to join choirs, attend music classes and meet a musician among others. It is important to note that education has many forms.

Just because someone has trouble cramming formulae and world histories doesn’t mean they are any less intelligent than the rest. Albert Einstein said, "Everybody is intelligent. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

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READERS SHARE VIEW ON THE SUBJECT

Didace Nzabanterura, former student at Kigali Institute of EducationTalent provides another alternative through which a child can achieve success in life. People usually attend school to get degrees but those who have the art of music, art and sport may become wealthier. That is the reason why the world looks up to their achievements more than those with piles of degrees.

Fridah Mbabazi, teacher at UmubanoTalent is good when you are also educated because if you are a good athlete but cannot communicate, you will be doomed. Who will want to communicate with a gold medalist that cannot express him or herself? Besides, talent usually takes you places which means you need some level of education to fit in all environments.

Moris Mido, student at College Amis des EnfantTalent can make a child’s future very bright. Talent also makes the actors famous in their schools and beyond. However, school has a big role in as far as talent is concerned. After identifying individuals with talent, there should be a deliberate attempt to help them nurture it through for instance taking them to soccer academies.

Jane Kato, a parent All of us are provided with a sort of natural uniqueness. Identifying a child’s gift is hard and needs some time. In this era, many educated people actually believe that developing someone’s talent is the best way to go.

Matheus Shimiyimana, a catererGrowing up, I always admired running and luckily possessed the required physique. Unfortunately I did not get support from any one. Had I got support from my parents or government, I would be a different person now — may be an athlete. I believe children with talent should be given all the necessary support.