Equipping learners with modern skills essential for evolving job market
Opinion
By
Wilson Mwangi
| Jul 12, 2024
When we send our children to school, we dream of their success. We hope they will excel in their passions, become great leaders, and drive positive change in the world, ultimately leading fulfilling lives. In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, it is crucial to equip our children not just with traditional academic knowledge but with essential skills such as creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, independent research, and collaboration. These skills are fundamental for their success and vital for navigating the complexities of the modern world.
The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, presenting both challenges and opportunities for our children. Take, for instance, the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence, which is poised to revolutionise every sector. As industries increasingly move online to enhance efficiency, areas like data analytics have become central to decision-making. The job market now demands individuals who can adapt to and thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.
In education, remote learning has become fundamental at both institutional and personal levels. This shift has proven beneficial, saving time and improving our children's comprehension. Digital tools serve as catalysts, boosting our children's cognitive abilities and expanding their understanding of the world.
To prepare our children for this dynamic future, future-proofing education becomes imperative. This involves shaping policies that directly involve key practitioners, like teachers, who engage with our children daily.
READ MORE
Mwalimu Sacco eyes asset base of over Sh100 billion in two years
Healthcare and business: Diana Okello's journey in aviation medicine niche
How access to credit is boosting tech adoption, earnings for SMEs
Boda boda financier rides on green wave to grow e-bikes ownership
Women-owned MSMEs to get USAID funding
Kenya signs marine training deal with Maersk
Higher education at crossroads amid budget cuts, new funding model
ILRI proposes cost-effective approach for livestock feed inventory
Supplies management agency enhances crackdown on unlicensed practitioners
Moreover, our curriculum must meet international standards, enabling our children to collaborate and compete on a global stage. The implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya is a commendable step in this direction. CBC emphasises the development of our children’s skills and competencies, fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and adaptability. These attributes are crucial for preparing them to navigate an evolving world.
Even vocational trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, masonry, and farming, are now integrating technology to boost efficiency and require modern skills for marketing and client engagement.
The current job market's demand for roles like data scientists, information security analysts, and digital marketers underscores the necessity of equipping our children with contemporary skills applicable across all fields.
Incorporating creativity and innovation in a curriculum is essential to prepare learners for the evolving job market. Fostering a global perspective mindset, adaptability and continuous learning will empower them to thrive in the future workforce. Education should inspire our children to be limitless in their imaginations, to solve problems with efficiency, and to drive positive societal growth.
While the future remains unpredictable, with countless unforeseeable scenarios, we can adopt strategies to adapt and keep pace with changes, particularly in education. By embracing forward-thinking initiatives and personalized learning experiences, we can ensure that our educational systems not only keep up with the global trends but also lead the way in preparing our children for the challenges and opportunities of an uncertain future.
Wilson Mwangi is Executive Head of Makini School CBC
- Wandayi confirms Adani Energy transmission projects
- Fuliza: Kenya eyes Sh160 billion loan from World Bank
- African diaspora is the "third country" after China and India