Why arts education should not be neglected

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OPINION

By Quillino Bamwine

When visiting any school in the countryside, the common characteristic is the cry for more teachers and better infrastructure.

While a lot has been achieved to improve the quality of education, more needs to be done in terms of giving attention to the arts.

Visiting one of the schools in my homevillage, I noticed the growing problem of the neglect of art. One of the learners made a sketch of her village on the back of a tattered exercise book. However, the teacher scolded her and told her to stop wasting time and focus on her science homework.

Across Uganda, this scene is repeated daily — a red flag signalling the way our education system crushes creativity in the name of “practical” STEM subjects — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Arts education should not be relegated to the margins while all resources are put into the sciences. But what happens to a society that neglects the arts? It loses its soul, its innovators and its cultural heartbeat.

Arts education is not merely about producing social scientists, politicians, painters or actors; it is the foundation of critical thinking and problem-solving. The late Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai blended environmental science with art, using storytelling and music to mobilise communities. Uganda’s future leaders need these skills to solve complex issues like climate change and unemployment.

This narrow focus may result in a generation of students who are proficient in STEM fields but lack the creative skills and critical thinking that arts education provides. It is time for the Government to reassess its priorities and recognise the value of arts education in Uganda’s schools.

Arts education is about cultivating creativity, imagination and innovation. Students who study arts subjects develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and communication. These skills are valuable in all areas of life, from business and technology to healthcare and social services. The Batwa people of southwestern Uganda have seen their traditional dances and crafts vanish because schools no longer teach indigenous art forms. Without arts education, we risk erasing our heritage. Nigeria’s Nollywood generates $600m annually, proving that the arts can drive economies.

Arts education should be given the appropriate attention. Many schools lack adequate resources, including textbooks, equipment and qualified teachers. Students who are interested in arts subjects should be given the same support as those doing sciences.

The neglect of arts education has far-reaching consequences. It limits the creative potential of our young people, stifles innovation and undermines our cultural heritage.

Moreover, it perpetuates the notion that arts subjects are inferior to sciences, which is a false dichotomy. It is not surprising that the increase of salaries for only science teachers has created a rift among education stakeholders.

Many experts believe that science and arts complement each other and none should be treated as inferior. Each is critical in its own capacity. I urge the Government to prioritise arts education in Uganda’s schools. This can be achieved by allocating sufficient funds to all teachers. The Government can allocate more resources to arts education, including textbooks, equipment and teacher training.

There is a need to review and revise the arts curriculum to ensure it is relevant, engaging and aligned with international standards. Foster partnerships between schools, arts organisations and industries to provide students with real-world experiences and mentorship.

Arts education is essential for the development of creative, critical and innovative thinkers.

By prioritising arts education, we can unlock the full potential of our young people and build a more vibrant, diverse and prosperous society. I urge the Government to act and ensure that arts education is given the attention and resources it deserves.

The writer is a member of the Lay Apostolate commission of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Honorary Consul General of Eswatini in Uganda.