Rethinking Education: A 360 Perspective on Learning, Business, and the Future

Education is meant to prepare individuals for life, but what kind of life has the system been designed for?

For decades, schools have followed a rigid, outdated model that prioritizes job placement over innovation, compliance over creativity, and hierarchy over self-agency. While private institutions cater to the elite, the majority are left with an education system that was never designed to create leaders, entrepreneurs, or wealth builders.

As we navigate a world shifting towards technology, decentralization, and creative economies, it is time to rethink education from a 360 perspective, ensuring that future generations have the tools, opportunities, and real-world experience needed to thrive.

The Origins of Education: A System Built for Workers, Not Innovators

The foundation of modern schooling is deeply rooted in industrial-era needs. Public education was created to produce disciplined workers for factories, clerks for offices, and soldiers for war—not entrepreneurs, thinkers, or change-makers.

This model ensured that the lower and middle classes remained functional but never fully independent, filling roles necessary for the economic machine while keeping true power and wealth in the hands of the elite. The result? A system that prioritizes conformity over creativity and memorization over application.

Why Hasn’t It Changed?

Simply put, because it still serves its original purpose.

Education, in its traditional form, was never meant to foster independence—it was meant to funnel people into the workforce and maintain the class structure.

• Public education remains a tool to create a low-cost labor force that fills essential job sectors.

• Private education equips students with high-level networks, advanced learning methods, and direct access to industry leaders.

• Those from wealthy backgrounds use their education to escape local tax rates and reinvest wealth elsewhere, leaving lower and middle classes to struggle in increasingly overburdened economies.

This imbalance has long-term consequences. Without real economic mobility, the majority of people remain trapped in cycles of low pay, limited financial literacy, and little to no generational wealth.

Black Youth and the Learning Divide

For Black youth and other marginalized communities, education comes with additional layers of disadvantage.

1. Historical & Ancestral Trauma

Many Black students come from families that have historically been denied access to education, land ownership, and financial stability. This creates a poor relationship with learning—school often feels like another system designed to limit, rather than empower.

2. Lack of Representation & Practical Learning

While inspiration is valuable, it is not enough. Students need direct exposure to professionals, hands-on experience, and real-world applications. Right now, young people are being taught outdated systems without practical tools, networks, or strategies to navigate the modern world.

The Need for a New Learning Model

1. Tailored Education for Different Learning Styles

Right now, the education system is one-size-fits-all—a single method that ignores individual learning styles, talents, and career aspirations.

• Private school students receive personalized teaching, access to mentorship, and high-level industry exposure.

• Public school students are taught by teachers who, more often than not, are not actively working in the industries they teach.

If we want to prepare the next generation for economic success and global influence, we need an education model that adapts to different learning styles, industries, and future economies.

2. Strengthening Industry & Education Partnerships

Why are universities and schools not directly connected to professional industries?

• Many teachers have not actively worked in the fields they teach.

• Education should move beyond theory—students should be learning from those who are currently shaping industries.

• Universities should function as business incubators—offering direct pathways into careers, creative industries, and entrepreneurship.

3. Reviving Apprenticeships & Mentorship-Based Learning

Before mass schooling, apprenticeships were the standard. Young people learned directly from experts, gaining hands-on experience and industry knowledge from day one.

Today, we need to bring this system back but in a modern format—one that allows students to work alongside professionals, build networks, and develop tangible skills while still learning the fundamentals.

4. Integrating Business, Tech & Finance Into Education

We live in an era where young people can build brands, businesses, and financial independence from their phones. Yet, traditional education still does not teach:

• Financial literacy & wealth-building strategies

• Digital entrepreneurship & content creation

• Tech & AI integration for business growth

Imagine if students left school not just with grades, but with business plans, investment knowledge, and industry connections.

The Future of Education: A 360 Solution

Rethinking Black Education: The Intersection of Learning, Entertainment, and Community Engagement

Through collaborations with community media and social groups like The Kickback in London and Okupiluka in Brazil, as well as analyzing online educational statistics, we’ve observed distinct patterns in how Black communities engage with education and entertainment. These insights reveal critical gaps in our current educational models and highlight the need for a more dynamic, results-driven approach to learning—one that merges industry integration, entertainment, and practical skill-building.

The Broken Foundations of Traditional Education

1. The Industrial Roots of Education and Its Lasting Impact

Education, as we know it, was never designed to create entrepreneurs or leaders. Its origins lie in fueling the industrial job economy, funneling lower- and middle-class individuals into roles that sustain capitalist structures. This system remains largely unchanged because it continues to serve those who benefit from an unbalanced labor force.

According to OECD data, most public education systems still prioritize rote learning and standardized testing over critical thinking and adaptability—skills necessary for success in today’s evolving job market (OECD, 2021). Meanwhile, private education introduces students to high-level industry professionals, innovative curricula, and real-world applications, widening the gap between socioeconomic classes.

2. The Disproportionate Impact on Black Youth

For Black communities, particularly in Western societies, historical oppression, economic instability, and systemic racism have created a fragile relationship with formal education. UK government data shows that while the percentage of Black students entering higher education has increased from 21.6% in 2006 to 50.6% in 2021, dropout rates remain disproportionately high due to economic and social barriers (UK Ethnicity Facts & Figures, 2023).

A 2020 Statista survey found that 50% of young Black students in the UK believed their teachers' negative perceptions hindered their academic success, while 49% cited racism within schools as a key barrier (Statista, 2020). The lack of mentorship, economic security, and access to career-driven education further exacerbates this divide.

3. The Misalignment Between Education and Industry

One of the fundamental flaws of our education system is its failure to prepare students for the real-world job market. Universities are often staffed by academics who are not actively working in the industries they teach. This disconnect means students graduate with theoretical knowledge but lack the practical experience and industry networks needed to succeed.

Historically, apprenticeships provided a bridge between education and employment, offering hands-on experience and mentorship. However, with the decline of apprenticeship models and the rise of unpaid internships, access to these opportunities has become more limited, particularly for Black and low-income students. In response, we must develop a new hybrid system—one that integrates mentorship, industry partnerships, and experiential learning into the educational framework.

The Role of Entertainment in Black Educational Spaces

4. Understanding Black Community Engagement Through Event Analysis

Through our collaborations with The Kickback in London and Okupiluka in Brazil, we’ve observed clear trends in Black community engagement:

• Black women (especially over 25) are more likely to attend events that provide networking opportunities, professional growth, and social elements such as free food and drinks.

• Black men are more likely to attend events where speakers are individuals they respect or admire.

• Popularity and fame often outweigh personal development as motivators for attendance.
  

This reflects broader social patterns. While 64% of Black youth in the UK are entering higher education by age 19 (UK Parliament Research, 2022), educational events outside of formal institutions often struggle to attract Black male participants unless they incorporate elements of status, competition, or financial gain.

The Pandemic’s Lessons: Rethinking Education and Work

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated self-learning and remote work trends, proving that:

• Alternative teaching models (online courses, interactive media, and gamified learning) can be just as effective as traditional classroom settings, particularly in tech-related fields.

• Shorter work hours increase productivity and allow for better work-life balance.

• Results-driven education and work structures are more effective than rigid, authoritarian approaches.
  

Post-pandemic, companies like Microsoft and Google have embraced skills-based hiring, prioritizing practical experience over degrees. This shift should be mirrored in education, ensuring that young people are trained in real-world systems, operations, and business frameworks rather than outdated curricula.

A New Model: Edutainment & Community Investment

Given these insights, the future of Black education must integrate entertainment, mentorship, and business development. We need spaces where learning is engaging, culturally relevant, and directly linked to economic opportunity. This means:

• Combining education with entertainment to make learning more accessible and appealing.

• Creating industry-backed programs where professionals mentor students in real-time projects.

• Ensuring Black youth gain financial literacy and access to investment opportunities to break generational cycles of poverty.
  

Through live activations in Brixton and Brazil’s Lapa, we have already begun to create these environments, inviting community leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs to share their expertise and collaborate on building new systems of self-empowerment.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Education should not be a rigid, one-size-fits-all model that prioritizes economic structures over individual growth. By merging community engagement, real-world business applications, and innovative teaching methods, we can create a self-sustaining educational ecosystem that empowers Black communities worldwide.

Now is the time to redefine learning, break down outdated structures, and build a future where knowledge fuels independence, economic freedom, and collective progress.

Join us in reshaping the future of education.

How to Fix the Problem: A 360 Approach to Black Education and Cultural Empowerment

Solving the systemic issues facing Black education and economic development requires a 360 approach—one that integrates culture, industry, mentorship, and self-agency. By reconnecting with indigenous cultures, leveraging Black cultural influence, and merging education with entertainment, we can create a transformative model that uplifts the Black diaspora and reshapes global youth culture.

1. The 360 Approach: Reconnecting with Indigenous Cultures

One of the most effective ways to build dignity, pride, and self-awareness within the Black diaspora is to reconnect with indigenous knowledge systems. Before colonial disruptions, African and indigenous societies had highly structured educational, spiritual, and economic frameworks that emphasized community wealth, apprenticeship, and skill-based learning.

• Indigenous learning models prioritize holistic development, where education is not separate from culture, economy, or identity.

• Traditional African economies were built on communal wealth—this model can inspire new frameworks for Black economic empowerment in modern industries.

• Reconnection to historical greatness fosters a sense of purpose and identity, critical for addressing self-worth issues within the Black youth demographic.
  

By building educational ecosystems that incorporate indigenous wisdom, modern business models, and digital tools, we can create a sustainable framework for Black global advancement.

2. Leveraging Black Culture as a Leading Force in Global Influence

Black culture has shaped and led global pop culture for over a century. From Michael Jackson to Beyoncé, Vybz Kartel to Burna Boy, Black artists, thinkers, and tech innovators have set trends, influenced economies, and redefined youth culture worldwide.

• Hip-hop alone is a $10 billion industry, influencing fashion, language, and social movements (Forbes, 2023).

• Black innovators in tech, sports, and media have consistently driven forward-thinking trends that impact the youth.

• Tech entrepreneurs like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Andela, Flutterwave) and Arlan Hamilton (Backstage Capital) prove that Black excellence extends beyond entertainment into business, finance, and technological revolutions.
  

By raising the image and moral consciousness of the Black community, we can use our cultural influence to inspire social, economic, and political change globally.

If we can elevate the conversations within these cultural subgroups—shifting focus from status and entertainment to legacy and ownership—we can create a generational shift that extends beyond the Black community into the entire global youth movement.

3. The New Model: Merging Education and Entertainment for Maximum Impact

Education alone is not enough. Young people today need a fusion of education and inspiration. By merging entertainment with education (Edutainment), we can engage, inspire, and equip the next generation with tools to own their narratives and build wealth.

A hybrid education model should include:

• Interactive Learning Spaces: Blending live events, workshops, and digital content to make learning engaging and community-driven.

• Industry Integration: Schools and universities should partner with real-world professionals and businesses to offer hands-on learning experiences.

• Cultural & Business Training: Teaching practical skills in digital media, tech, finance, and entrepreneurship alongside Black cultural history.

• Financial Literacy & Investment: Equipping young Black individuals with the knowledge to build and sustain generational wealth.
  

Final Thought: Creating a Movement, Not Just a System

By embracing a 360 approach that integrates culture, industry, and self-empowerment, we can rewrite the future of Black education and economic power. The Black community already influences the world through entertainment—now we must use that influence to inspire a culture to learn, build, cultivate, and sustain.

If we change the way we learn, earn, and create, we won’t just fix the problems of education—we will reshape global youth culture and the future economy on an international and global scale.

Education 360: Preparing the Next Generation for the Economic Shift

Education is the foundation of a thriving community, but in today’s world, traditional education systems are no longer enough. As global economic shifts force professionals to seek new opportunities outside the UK, the next generation must be equipped with practical skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, and new learning models to succeed. A 360 approach to education—one that merges industry training, digital literacy, financial empowerment, and cultural engagement—is necessary to ensure Black and underrepresented communities do not fall further behind.

A Legacy of Leadership and Community Education

I grew up under the leadership of great men and women—mentors, pastors, and community organizers who dedicated their lives to education and empowerment.

• My parents, uncles, and aunties were community leaders in South London (Southwark), guiding youth through faith, education, and social programs.

• My father served on the spiritual board for the Mayor of Southwark and ran the government-funded community outreach program, Heartbeat Academy—a 360 arts center that provided education and mentorship during school holidays and within schools.

• Leon Wright, my brother-in-law and co-founder of Mentivity, was one of many educators who emerged from Heartbeat Academy, shaping young minds through mentorship.

• Dr. Iain-Thurlby Campbell, my childhood mentor and spiritual guide, is a doctor of education specializing in business development, sales, and commercial strategy, with a track record of driving large-scale revenue growth for Big Four/FTSE/NASDAQ businesses.
  

If there’s anything I’ve learned from these leaders, it is this: education is essential to the survival of a community, but diversification of education is essential to the development of the next generation.

Why Education Must Evolve: The Rise of Digital Influence

The world has changed. Traditional learning models are no longer effective in preparing young people for the economy of the future. The current generation absorbs mental real estate through streaming services, social media, and pop culture. Their ability to learn is being shaped not by schools, but by YouTube algorithms, Netflix series, and TikTok trends.

This is not inherently negative—in fact, these platforms have created some of the most financially successful young entrepreneurs in history. However, if we fail to integrate modern media into education, we risk leaving an entire generation unprepared for economic survival.

The Economic Shift: Why Traditional Jobs Are No Longer Enough

The UK is experiencing an exodus of high-level professionals and millionaires, driven by rising tax burdens, lack of economic freedom, and shifting global opportunities. This will leave fewer mentors, fewer job opportunities, and a weakened economy for those who remain.

• A 2023 report from Henley & Partners found that 3,200 millionaires left the UK, marking one of the highest levels of wealth migration in Europe.

• High-earning professionals are relocating to countries like the UAE, Singapore, and the US, where tax structures and business environments are more favorable.

• The gig economy, remote work, and AI-driven automation are reshaping traditional employment—many jobs that exist today will disappear within the next decade.
  

The reality is clear: holding down a single, traditional job is no longer enough. The next generation needs:

.  Entrepreneurial skills—to create their own wealth instead of relying on employers.
. Digital literacy—to navigate and dominate online markets.
. Financial education—to manage, grow, and sustain wealth.
. New learning methods—to rapidly upskill and stay ahead of industry changes.

The 360 Solution: A New Educational Model for the Future

To avoid dooming the next generation, we must implement new learning styles and practical measures that prepare them for the realities of the future economy. This is what a 360 approach to education looks like:

1. Merging Education with Entertainment (Edutainment)
   

• Create engaging, real-world content that teaches practical skills through podcasts, live activations, digital storytelling, and interactive media.

• Leverage social platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to educate young people where they already consume content.

• Partner with influencers, artists, and industry leaders to make learning aspirational and culturally relevant.
  
  

2. Industry-Led Training & Digital Apprenticeships
   

• Schools and universities must collaborate with professionals and businesses to create apprenticeship-style programs that integrate young people directly into industries.

• Online mentorship and remote internships can connect young minds with leaders from around the world, removing geographic limitations

• Courses must be practical and results-driven, not just theoretical.
  
  

3. Financial Literacy & Wealth Creation
   

• Teaching young people about credit, investments, and wealth-building should be as fundamental as math and English.

• Schools must introduce real-world financial education, including crypto, real estate, e-commerce, and investing.

• Create pathways for young entrepreneurs to access funding and mentorship for startups and creative businesses.
  
  

4. Community-Led Learning & Cultural Empowerment
   

• We must reconnect with indigenous educational models that emphasize collaborative learning, mentorship, and self-sufficiency.
  

• Local leaders, business owners, and artists must play active roles in education, ensuring that knowledge is passed down in culturally relevant ways.

• Education should be adaptable—tailored to the needs of different communities, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all system.
  

The Urgency: We Must Act Now

We cannot afford to wait for governments or institutions to adapt—the future economy is shifting now, and those who do not prepare will be left behind. A 360 approach to education is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity.

By embracing new learning styles, merging education with modern media, and creating pathways to economic empowerment, we can equip the next generation with the tools they need to survive and thrive.

This is not just about fixing education—it is about redefining what education means in the 21st century.

The question is: Will we lead the change, or will we let the next generation struggle through the same outdated system?