It’s the quality, not the size that matters

President Paul Kagame yesterday repeated an important message he has emphasised in the past that the size of the country does not necessarily determine the quality of its people, and what they are able to achieve. The President was speaking at a prayer breakfast attended by the renowned American evangelical Pastor, Rick Warren. Kagame’s message was once again that successful nations are known for their values and achievements and not their geographical size. The lesson that Rwandans should draw from President Kagame’s message is that we should not feel intimidated because of the hyperbole, ‘tiny nation.’ Rather, what is demanded of us, as a nation is to possess values and principles that we believe in, which we must pursue and ultimately translate into acts or policies that generally uplift the lives of the Rwandan people. There are countries with vast geographical land mass, which have been on their knees for centuries, and yet we know of nations, 10 times smaller that are ranked among the most successful and developed in the world. Therefore, what matters is Rwandans putting their act together and purposefully pursuing the dream of one day graduating to the class of developed nations. This is attainable, irrespective of our geographical size. After all, like President Kagame said, for a piece of jewelry to be appreciated, it does not have to be the size of an elephant. Equally important at this prayer breakfast was Pastor Rick Warren’s dream for this nation. That because of what the leadership and the people of Rwanda are doing today, the greatest contribution to the world should not the fine coffee or tea it exports but rather sharing its leadership experience with the rest of the world. Based on this, the American philanthropist reminded that Rwanda had the potential to export its human capital, readily equipped with what it takes to pursue a leadership role in business, entrepreneurship, education, health and peace building across the world. Pastor Warren’s comments only augment government’s long term vision that takes into account the critical importance of our human resource base. Quite often, the leadership of this country has emphasized that the most important asset we have as a nation, is not minerals or any other natural resources but rather our own people. Therefore, for Pastor Warren to re-emphasize this vision, serves as motivational call and a reminder to every Rwandan to vigorously pursue this vital dream. Ends

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It’s the quality, not the size that matters