Finding the Perfect Fit: A Guide to Choosing Your Child's School
Pupils in class.
As the 2025 academic year approaches, parents and guardians face a critical decision: choosing the right school for their children. Amid glossy brochures, eye-catching billboards, and polished websites, what truly sets a school apart?
The decision can feel overwhelming with a range of options—government, faith-based, or privately run institutions offering the British National Curriculum, Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), International Baccalaureate (IB), and many more. A myopic focus on academic rigour often falls short of preparing students for the complexities of life.
The Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE) reports that over one million young people enter the labour market annually without skills, with many dropping out or not pursuing further education post-primary or secondary school. Youth aged 15–34, comprising 35% of Kenya’s population, face a staggering unemployment rate of 67%.
This stark reality underscores the urgency for schools to go beyond academics and focus on equipping students with practical skills, digital literacy, and life competencies to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic world.
Digital literacy is a make-or-break factor
Digital literacy is no longer optional; it is a must-have. Technology should be integrated into classroom work and assignments to enhance learning, rather than relying on outdated methods centered on theory and memorization.
Students should master essential tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, email communication, and video conferencing platforms at an early age. According to futurist Thomas Frey, 2 billion jobs will disappear by 2030 due to automation and technological advancements. Yet, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) predicts that Sub-Saharan Africa will see 230 million digital jobs by the same year. These jobs will include roles in e-commerce, fintech and creative industries and will demand intermediate to advanced digital skills.
Schools prioritising digital literacy, coding, and access to modern learning tools are setting their students up for success in a tech-driven world. Whether it’s online collaboration, research, or understanding emerging ICT technologies, these skills ensure children are prepared for the jobs of the future.
But future readiness doesn’t stop at digital skills. The most successful individuals excel in life skills—critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Schools should provide platforms for students to hone these abilities through clubs like debate, interact, scouts, or spelling champions. Opportunities for public speaking, peer mentoring, and leadership programs further enhance these competencies.
Shifting from employee to employer mindset
A well-rounded education, blends academics with extracurricular activities like sports, music and art is essential for fostering creativity, teamwork, and leadership. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the global value of creative services exports reached $1.4 trillion in 2022—a 29% rise since 2017 highlighting the demand for innovative and creative skills.
Entrepreneurship education aligns with future job trends, as traditional roles are increasingly replaced by self-employment and gig-based jobs on platforms like Upwork. Entrepreneurship skills foster creativity, resilience, and problem-solving, empowering children to identify opportunities, innovate, and take initiative.
Nurturing transformative leaders
By integrating climate-conscious initiatives like conservation of the environment, recycling waste in school and at home and active local community engagement, schools prepare students to address climate change and sustainability. These experiences equip students with the skills to thrive in green job markets, develop impactful solutions, and become job creators and leaders of positive change.
When choosing a school, ask yourself: is it equipping your child to keep up or stay ahead? The right school inspires agility and adaptability, nurtures creativity and innovation and equips your child with the right skills, unlocking success today and tomorrow.
Ms. Onyango is the Founder of Show Up Communications [email protected]
