Skills for the future
Adapting to change is essential, especially for children.Technological advancements have progressed at an unprecedented pace, fundamentally reshaping industries, economies and the way we live. The shift from the analogue era to the digital revolution has been profound, with each decade introducing innovations that demand adaptation at an ever-faster rate.
Understanding this historical trajectory highlights the importance of teaching children to engage with technology earl. It gives them the tools and enhances their ability to navigate the challenges of tomorrow.
Ground-breaking achievements like the development of early computers, the Apollo Moon Landing, and the advent of colour television marked significant milestones. However, technological progress was measured in decades. Personal computers became mainstream in the 1980s, and mobile phones only began gaining traction in the 1990s.
Overnight transformation
Contrast this with the last two decades, where advancements like smartphones, the Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotics have transformed industries almost overnight. A report by Our World in Data shows that while it took over 70 years for electricity to achieve mass adoption, smartphones reached similar levels of penetration within just 10 years.
The pace of innovation is almost lightning-quick, leaving individuals with less time to adapt to new tools and systems.
The ability to quickly adapt to technology has shifted from being a desirable trait to an essential skill. Research from the World Economic Forum predicts that over 40% of core skills in the workforce will change by 2030, largely due to automation, AI and emerging technologies.
In this dynamic environment, future workers must not only keep pace with technological changes but also thrive in roles that require continuous learning and problem-solving.
Unique challenge
This acceleration creates a unique challenge for the next generation. Unlike the gradual transitions experienced by previous generations, today’s children will face a future where entirely new industries, technologies, and jobs may emerge within their lifetime. Their ability to adapt, innovate, and embrace change will determine their success.
At Robotschool Namibia, we recognise that the most important skill for the future is not simply learning how to use existing technology, but developing the capacity to adapt to emerging tools and environments. This is why we emphasize coding, robotics, and hands-on problem-solving in our programs.
• Early exposure builds confidence: Engaging with robotics and programming helps children understand complex systems from an early age. This foundational knowledge allows them to approach new technologies with curiosity rather than fear.
• Fostering a growth mindset: Robotics education encourages trial and error, teaching children resilience and adaptability – key traits in a world of constant change.
• Preparing for unknown futures: As industries evolve, roles such as “AI ethicist” or “robotics engineer” will become commonplace. Programmes at Robotschool equip children with transferable skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, that prepare them for careers yet to be defined.
Adaptability
It is no longer enough to specialise in one area of technology; the future workforce must learn how to adapt continuously. This adaptability can only be cultivated through early exposure to dynamic learning environments, like those provided at Robotschool Namibia.
By immersing children in coding, robotics, and problem-solving, we give them the tools to approach technology with confidence, creativity, and a readiness to learn.
In conclusion the rapid acceleration of technology since the 1960s underscores the critical need for adaptability as a future skill.
At Robotschool, we are committed to empowering the next generation to not just keep up with technological advances but to lead and innovate in an ever-changing world.
By teaching children to code, build, and create with technology, we are preparing them for a future where adaptability is their greatest asset. This isn’t just about staying relevant—it’s about thriving in a world where the only constant is change.
*Bjorn Wiedow is the founder of Robotschool.
**Opinion pieces and letters by the public do not necessarily reflect the editorial team’s opinion. The editors reserve the right to abridge original texts. All newspapers of Network Media Holdings adhere to the Code of Ethics for Namibian Media, a code established jointly with the Media Ombudsman.