Put more emphasis on hands-on skills

Editor, REFER TO Gerald Mpyisi’s article, “Unexploited talent and the story of Jean-Pierre” (The New Times, May 19). What it addresses is a fundamental issue for not only Rwanda but all the African countries that are struggling to tackle unemployment, poverty and inequality. The leadership in Rwanda should also make use of Mr. Mpyisi’s theses and request him to develop a draft policy paper (through the relevant line ministry) for cabinet discussions on the way forward. Rwanda’s leadership has a vision for its people and I am optimistic they can use these ideas in transforming Rwanda more. To Mr Mpyisi, please accept my humble salutations; you have played your part and it’s up to the rest of us to make use of your ideas in transforming pour societies. Bob Kirenga, Harare, Zimbabwe ************************* THIS IS stunning indeed! Jean-Pierre’s story resembles tens of thousands of stories of naturally talented people who go unnoticed in our country and in Africa at large. I do agree with most of the readers who stressed the establishment of a systematic government-based talent detection policy. Spending too much money on TVET, sciences, and others is good but decades, if not generations, will pass without an invention and practical solutions to our local problems. So, as the government allocates money to different sectors, it should reserve some funds for talents with practical solutions. The first thing is to bring this dying precious wealth to people’s attention as Mr. Mpyisi did. Dear Mr. Mpyisi, I appreciate what you did, and I believe that something will be done finally. Jean, United Kingdom ************************* AMAZING! Geniuses do not need formal education. Thomas Edison had only three months of formal education. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are college dropouts. Henry Ford was illiterate. I agree 100 per cent that something needs to be done. Let us think about something we can do together. Our government has many other things to do. This is for us to handle – by ‘us’ I mean businesses and the civil society. Richard Safari,New York, United States

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Put more emphasis on hands-on skills