The changing face of education: Planning for new realities in education

Johannesburg - There are several trends shaping the education sector in South Africa, with technological advancements at the forefront, driving accelerated change, and providing access to greater education opportunities and more diverse learning methods. Moreover, the future of work demands a different skill set  and places greater emphasis on traits such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence and creativity.

These skills once deemed “soft” have now become essential for the future workforce and are often developed through non-traditional teaching methods. These new approaches to how we learn and teach require a similarly fresh approach to providing for your child’s education.  

“We can expect to see more change in education in 2025. Access to wider educational opportunities both locally and internationally means that it is imperative that parents plan for it financially”, says Kresantha Pillay, Chief Specialist Lifestyle Protector at Liberty. “For parents who want the best education for their children, an understanding of these shifts that we can expect will be essential.”

The rise of edtech

Technology will continue to redefine classrooms as edtech grows. According to the South African EdTech Market Summary, Competitive Analysis and Forecast to 2028 the South African edtech market is expected to grow by more than 11% from 2023 to 2028. 

This growth has been driven by the increasing integration of technology into classrooms and the demand for digital learning solutions. 

Virtual learning platforms, AI-driven learning systems, and coding and robotics programmes are being adopted rapidly as classrooms change into dynamic, digital learning environments. The result is personalised learning paths, critical digital literacy skills, and access to global education resources.

Education without borders

When it comes to education, digital technology has made the world borderless. Many South Africans choose to take a gap year in another country after school but increasingly they are also tapping into opportunities to study abroad or enrol in online programs with global institutions. In 2022 a BrandMapp survey indicated that at least 1.2 million South Africans were considering studying overseas.

“For many young people studying abroad represents an exciting opportunity to see the world while receiving a quality education,” Pillay says.

Personalised, inclusive and skill-based

Education is becoming increasingly tailored to individual strengths and needs thanks to technology like AI which can track real time progress and develop customised lessons.

 Private and independent learning institutions, homeschool and micro- schools have all seen growth in recent years, thanks to tailored lesson plans, assessments, and learning materials.

There is also a growing emphasis on skills-based learning and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs to prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market and education for children with special needs has come into focus in recent years and will be increasingly prioritised through inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse abilities.

Significant challenges will persist

While the recent matric results point to progress, South Africa’s education system still faces major challenges thanks to shortages in infrastructure, teaching materials, and qualified educators.

Unfortunately, economic disparities mean high-quality education remains inaccessible for many families, leading to dropout rates that hinder long-term development while issues such as mental health and teenage pregnancy further hamper academic progress.

Securing your child’s education with risk cover

Amid these trends and challenges, parents are adopting proactive strategies to ensure their children’s education remains uninterrupted, even during life’s unexpected turns.

“While long-term investments are a solid plan to cover education costs, they don’t account for unforeseen circumstances. What happens if you are unable to work or pass away before that investment matures? This is where appropriate risk cover becomes vital, offering the peace of mind that your child’s education will remain secure no matter what,” Pillay says.

In South Africa the growth of education-specific insurance can be attributed in part to the rising education costs, the demand for private schooling, and the need to secure financial stability in the face of unexpected events such as a parent’s disability or death.

“At Liberty our EduGlobal, Educator Xtra, and EduPrime, provide comprehensive solutions, including gap year options, international study provisions, and enhanced coverage for special needs education, should the insured parent become disabled or suffer a critical illness or pass away.” says Pillay.

The Educator suite of product’s comprehensive solutions include:

• Coverage for education expenses up to a first degree or diploma, with options for gap years and international study.
• Financial protection in the event of a parent’s death, disability, or critical illness.
• Enhanced tuition benefits for special needs education, ensuring that families can access the resources required for tailored educational journeys.
• Guaranteed premium cash-back options for families who do not claim.

“As parents battle rising costs and changes in education it’s a good time to start planning and consult with your financial adviser so that you can secure your child's future with insurance solutions designed to safeguard their education, ensuring they have the resources they need, regardless of life's unfortunate circumstances,” Pillay concludes.