Education, intelligence and everything in-between

In journalism school they teach you how to find your way in unfamiliar places without compromising yourself. They teach you how to identify a guide to show you the ropes. They teach you how to vet him and what qualities to look for.When I moved to Kigali a month ago I needed a guide. Then I met Jean Paul. Jean Paul is short and heavy around the midsection. He shaves inches away from the scalp and doesn’t spot a beard. He is a casual dresser, most days he is donning a T-shirt and jeans. Blue T-shirts, I figure it is his favourite colour.Jean Paul is fast, intelligent, quick thinker, funny composed and seems knows half the people in Kigali. Jean Paul is also uneducated. He dropped out in primary school; something about lack of finds though he says he was too smart for school.You need a second hand vehicle in top condition? Jean Paul knows a guy. You need a house to rent? Talk to Jean Paul. You need quality affordable furniture? Jean Paul knows a guy. You need a good affordable hotel at a discounted rate? Jean Paul knows a place. You have trouble processing permits and licenses? Talk to Jean Paul. You need a girlfriend? You are on your own.Jean Paul is a businessman; real estate, housing agent, car salesman, and a wholesaler. He is probably doing better than most of his former classmates who stuck in school and now suit up every morning to feed capitalism. He is probably doing better than those who stuck to algebra and calculus. Of course, he is doing better than his primary school class master projected, that he would end up as a casual labourer. From Jean Paul I not only learn about Kigali but about life, education, intelligence, success and everything in between.Education doesn’t guarantee success but intelligence does. Education can be bought, intellect is developed. Talents don’t guarantee success but skills do. Education’s point is not good grades but understanding concepts. Education’s point is to open up and develop the learners mind. Education’s point is to ready the learners mind to learn, unlearn and relearn. That could be the reason self taught people out perform schooled folks. A diploma or degree doesn’t crown one to be a professional, practice and performance does. Practice develops in-born talent. Beating on your craft, develops it to a skill.The world’s development requires intelligence and skill rather than education and talent. The developing world has a vacancy for those who can blend humanity and technology; those who can modernize and keep tradition and culture alive.