Need to equip children with smart tools to enhance adaptability

The world today is changing at a pace none of us could have imagined. Technology evolves overnight, global challenges keep shifting and young people are expected to navigate a reality that is anything but stable.

To describe such times, we often turn to the acronym VUCA — Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. Originally coined by the US Army War College after the Cold War, VUCA has since become a guiding framework for business leaders and policymakers. But its real value, I believe, lies in education. After all, schools carry the responsibility of preparing children not just for exams, but for life in this unpredictable world.

A few weeks ago, I attended an educational conference that brought this home in a powerful way. One of the speakers spoke passionately about the relevance of VUCA in schools.

She explained how the framework could help educators prepare students to face distractions, global competition and rapid social change. Listening to her, I had a moment of realisation. Our schools often rely on traditional approaches that no longer match the demands of the world outside.

That session became a turning point for me. I returned with a renewed vision —- to consciously integrate VUCA practices into my institution and give students the mindset and skills they need to thrive in uncertainty.

The concept of VUCA can be woven into daily learning in simple, practical ways. To address volatility, students need exposure to dynamic situations — debates, role plays and projects — where they learn adaptability.

Uncertainty can be turned into a learning opportunity by encouraging inquiry-based lessons and research projects, training students to make decisions even when outcomes aren’t guaranteed.

Complexity demands critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning, helping students connect dots across subjects rather than seeing knowledge in isolation. And when it comes to ambiguity, schools can transform it into an opportunity by encouraging creativity, multiple perspectives and open-ended problem-solving.

But making VUCA a part of school culture requires more than new teaching methods. It calls for a shift in how we view education itself. Beyond textbooks and examinations, we must design experiences that mirror real life. Leadership programmes, internships and community projects allow students to experiment, fail and try again in a safe environment. Teachers also play a vital role — not as instructors who simply deliver information, but as facilitators who encourage curiosity and resilience.

In the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and constant disruption, knowledge alone is not enough. Students need resilience to handle setbacks, adaptability to embrace change, critical thinking to analyse situations, and collaboration to work effectively with others. These are not “soft” skills anymore — they are survival skills for the future.

We have to look beyond grades and focus on shaping children into confident, capable and socially responsible individuals.