Learning Hubs
The education system isn’t broken; it’s doing exactly what it was designed to do. But the world has changed – so how do we change an encumbent system that is no longer fit for purpose? Standardised timetables, one-size-fits-all curricula, age-based learning and testing…while endless top-down directives keep promising “21st-century learning.”
Meanwhile, young people step into the workplaces of today and discover they are woefully unprepared and under-skilled to navigate and survive them – never mind thrive.
We are co-designing and co-creating a global network of Learning Hubs for learners who want to be better prepared to thrive – not just survive – in a world of accelerating change and possibility. We’re creating a blueprint for learning ecosystems: independent, hyper-local hubs that support young people to build a better world for themselves and everyone around them. Find out how below…
The Core Learning Hub Concept
Co-designed By Each Community…
Local Hubs, Global Backbone
Each hub grows out of its own community. We provide the main infrastructure – core values, guardrails and shared tools & systems – plus a core team to support you, then we get out of the way until you need us again.
Self-Directed & Project-Based
Learners design their own pathway, then execute real projects they care about. Think “build the thing, show the thing, iterate” – not “write about building the thing in a workbook.”. Their projects can be as short or as long as they want.
Facilitators, Not Teachers
Adults (and other young people!) are facilitators, mentors, networkers, provocateurs and inspiration. Their job is to prompt for questions, inspire curiosity, model lifelong learning and unblock access to resources.
Community-Driven Governance
Young people, parents, facilitators and local partners share decision-making. If it impacts the learners, they get a vote.
Strong Community Links
Every hub builds and nurtures alliances with companies, social enterprises and civic organisations in the community. Project briefs, shadow days, micro-internships and paths into the world of work are baked in from day 1, so work isn’t an abstract future – it’s the present, and a thriving community is created.
Flexible Weekly Rhythm
Three Core Half or Full Days (Hub Days)
Flexible yet regular sessions for young people for Hub Days, so they become familiar with the typical cadence of the days and the structure of the week e.g. discussion groups, project sprints, group workshops, creative sessions, cooking together, physical activity, social time and more. Guidelines for sessions will be clear.
Optional Extras
Field visits, remote collaboration, passion-projects, pop-up events, parent skill-shares, hackathons, local festival takeovers and more. Participation is optional and in addition to core Hub Days.
How A Hub Comes Alive
| Phase | Key Question | Non-Negotiable | Flexible Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01. Ignite | Does our community need this? | Commitment to our core values & approach. | Size, location, launch date. |
| 02. Seed | Who’s building it? | Founding team with at least one youth voice. | Mix of grants, membership, sponsors. |
| 03. Scaffold | What supports learning? | Self-directed methodology & hub policies. | Timetable, tech stack, community rituals. |
| 04. Connect | Which partnerships matter most? | At least 3 local organisations as sponsors. | Corporate, civic or grassroots. |
| 05. Steward | How do we stay honest? | Quarterly community reviews. | Metrics (wellness, impact) chosen locally. |
Key Requirements
While flexibility and adaptability are fundamental to how each hub is designed, developed and run, we will not compromise on the following:
- Trust & respect over compliance – Learners’ time is respected and seen as valuable; learning is based upon trusting each learner to self direct, self initiate and identify and respect their own needs.
- Transparency at every level – Budget lines, decisions, mistakes and successes: visible to all involved.
- Impact and progression, not expansion ‘just because’ – A hub scales when the community says it’s time; and expansion is not a must!
- Co-creation of an ecosystem – co-creating and being part of alternative models for people to thrive within; learning hubs are a core part of our vision for a different kind of system.
Because the real goal we’re aiming for is that learners don’t just fit into the world of work as it currently exists – they’ll redesign it…
How To Start A Learning Hub
1. Run a Pulse Check – could you gather 10 families, 2 local partners and 1-2 facilitators for a no-fluff feasibility meet-up? If so…
2. Get in touch with us – we will connect you with our Core Hub team who can walk you through everything you’ll need to do, and share the resources that will help.
3. Launch pilot – test the model with a pilot cohort, iterate and open for full capacity if it works; and if it doesn’t, adjust it or stop!