Editor, I do not believe that some people are naturally wired to be good at sciences, and others at arts. I have read many studies that contradict each other in regards to that. What I have come to acknowledge, in my field of work of capacity development, is that a combination of factors (social, biological, psychological, political, economic, etc...) can have an impact on whether or not a country finds itself with the majority of students studying arts instead of sciences and technology. In regards to Rwanda, I do believe that we need an education policy that seriously channels students towards sciences and technology, if we really want to achieve our economic development goals. Arts studies have their place in the Rwandan society, especially those that can contribute to nation building, sustainable peace and reconciliation, but they need to be more results-oriented and not just endless debates. Brief, arts, sciences and technology studies should be oriented towards helping Rwanda achieve its social and economic development aspirations. Dev Reaction to the article, “Sciences are a good option” (The New Times, April 8)
