After spending most of the year away, around half a million Afrikan young people have or will shortly returning to school this month. (1)  Discussions about “the new normal” will now likely be applied to the education system as our children transition out of the “old normal” that was far from beneficial for far too many of them. (2)

So as we begin our education series, we’ll be hearing from our young people about what education was like under “lockdown” (and if applicable the grades awards process), what are their expectations on return and whether they will be able to thrive on the new environment.

Although home-schooling became an involuntary realty for many Afrikan parents, there was little by way of a national strategy developed so it’s not clear if whatever skills may have been harnessed will be carried forward. 

(1) Department for Education (27/06/19) Schools, pupils and their characteristics: January 2019. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/812539/Schools_Pupils_and_their_Characteristics_2019_Main_Text.pdf

(2) Afrika Speaks with Alkebu-Lan on Galaxy Radio (25/02/19) Can we build our own education system the UK? https://www.alkebulan.org/2019/02/25/afrika-speaks-with-alkebu-lan-on-galaxy-radio-250219-can-we-build-our-own-education-system-the-uk/

We ask the question:

What does it mean to be YOUNG, GIFTED & BLACK?

1) How do you feel about the return to school/college?

2) Is there now a “New Normal” for the education system?

3) Is there anything from “involuntary” home-schooling that we can take forward?

4) What do we need to do for our children to manifest their natural gifts?

Our Special Guests:

Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and UNIA-ACL Ambassador for the UK and national co-Chair of the interim National Afrikan People’s Parliament.  Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of over 30 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.

Indigo Child: is a 16-year-old college student who’s grown up in the conscious community. She’s been raised with a strong sense of self and is currently running her own mobile hairdressing business called Prosperity Hair.

Princess Konadu: was raised in a pan Afrikan organisation and an Afrikan based home life. She was also part of a home school collective and has now launched her own reading and tutoring business called itsquitesimple. Alongside launching a joint business with Princess Kesensa called Amarni in variety of services.

Prince Munyaradzi Kwaw-Oboadze: is a 14 year-old member of the Alkebulan Revivalist Movement and a prolific performer and spoken word artist and a upcoming activist for the black race. He represents his Pan-African community and strives to teach others about their history. He enjoys sports and has been told he is very good at operating technology. He will be advancing to year 10 in September.

Princess Metertat: is 18 years old and has grown up in the Pan-Afrikan community.  She will be going to university in the autumn.