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By Johnathan Paoli
Centennial Schools CEO and founder Shaun Fuchs has advocated for reimagining South Africa’s education system as a catalyst for unity rather than division.
For Fuchs, creating inclusive classrooms is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity in a society still grappling with the legacy of apartheid and persistent systemic inequalities.
“We need to re-imagine schools as inclusive environments where all learners feel seen, respected and empowered. Inclusion is not a ‘nice to have’, it is essential for building a better South Africa,” Fuchs says.
South Africa’s classrooms, much like the country itself, are vibrant reflections of its social fabric, rich with different cultures, languages, and histories.
This diversity, though a significant national strength, also demands a deliberate effort to foster inclusion, equality and respect in every learning environment.
The Constitution recognises 12 official languages and over 50 cultural groups, making the country one of the most diverse nations in the world.
Yet, despite the legal and symbolic embrace of diversity, many school environments still struggle to reflect this reality in meaningful ways.
Fuchs argues that diversity in education should not be reduced to symbolic gestures or annual observances.
“Inclusion should be embedded in the curriculum, evident in school leadership and lived out in the school’s daily culture,” he says.
This view is supported by international research.
Studies from Unesco and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development have shown that inclusive education enhances academic performance, improves emotional wellbeing and fosters social cohesion.
When students see their languages, cultures and lived experiences reflected in the classroom, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging—an essential ingredient for learning.
“It’s not just about who is in the classroom. It’s about who is being seen and heard,” Fuchs says.
He warns against treating diversity as mere representation in textbooks or posters.
“True inclusion requires creating safe spaces where difficult conversations can happen. It means addressing stereotypes, fostering mutual understanding and building emotional intelligence,” he explains.
In practice, this involves equipping students with the tools to challenge bias, question assumptions and engage critically with social issues.
“Inclusion does not mean pretending that differences don’t exist, it means embracing those differences and learning from them,” the CEO maintains.
To achieve this, Fuchs claims schools must also re-evaluate how they teach.
South Africa’s traditional schooling model has remained largely unchanged since before 1994, often failing to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world.
Fuchs believes that education must be more participatory, empowering learners to shape their educational experiences as active stakeholders.
From incorporating inclusive language in learning materials to inviting diverse guest speakers and fostering open cultural dialogue, the CEO says his schools make deliberate efforts to normalise diversity in everyday learning.
“We are not preparing students to succeed in a vacuum. We are preparing them to thrive in workplaces, communities and a world where empathy, respect and collaboration matter more than ever,” Fuchs said.
This approach not only supports academic success but also cultivates social responsibility and emotional intelligence among learners.
Ultimately, inclusion in education is deeply tied to identity, according to the CEO.
He highlights the importance of helping young people understand who they are and equipping them to respect and engage with others whose identities may differ from their own.
Fuchs believes that when schools embrace this mission, they help build not only stronger students but a more unified and compassionate nation.
“The real goal of education is not just to pass exams, but to build the kind of society that grows from its cultural richness rather than being divided by it,” he said.
Fuchs points out that in a country still on its path toward healing and equity, inclusive education is not just about the classroom, but about the future of South Africa itself.
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