Centennial Schools founder launches book on the future of education
A new book by Shaun Fuchs is challenging traditional thinking around education, leadership, and preparing children for an AI-driven future.
Founder and CEO of Centennial Schools Shaun Fuchs officially launched his new book, The School That Didn’t Exist, offering readers a reflection on leadership, reinvention, and the future of education.
The book tells the story of building Centennial Schools during the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, while also exploring how education must adapt to a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and artificial intelligence.
Read more: Shaun Fuchs advocates for creating job creators this Youth Month
Fuchs said the pandemic became a turning point that challenged many long-held beliefs about education and the future.
“The Covid-19 pandemic forced many of us to rethink what we believed about education, work, leadership, and the future.”
Also read: A year of firsts for Centennial Schools
He explained that building a new school during such a difficult period inspired him to document both the practical and personal journey behind the project.
Fuchs said the book also examines whether traditional schooling models are still preparing children for the realities of the modern world.
“The world students are entering has fundamentally changed. Artificial intelligence, technology, and rapid global shifts are already reshaping industries and careers.”
According to Fuchs, one of the biggest challenges was launching a completely new school during and after the pandemic, at a time when many businesses and schools were struggling to survive.
“There was certainly fear and uncertainty involved. Starting again later in life comes with enormous pressure because you understand the risks more clearly.”
Despite the challenges, he believes the experience reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, and courageous leadership.
Fuchs also highlighted the urgent need for transformation within South Africa’s education system, saying traditional models focused on information recall and standardised testing are no longer enough.
“Education must evolve to nurture creativity, digital fluency, entrepreneurship, resilience, and empathy.”
Through The School That Didn’t Exist, Fuchs said he hopes to encourage conversations among parents, educators, and young people about preparing learners not only to pass exams, but to thrive in an uncertain future.
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