When I say people can learn skills outside the classroom, some people react as if I’ve insulted their ancestors. The looks I get! If Zimbabwe still allowed stoning, I would have needed bodyguards. The way they glare at me you’d think I said, “Schools are useless let’s all learn from TikTok dancers.”
But let me say it again, with my chest:
ANY skill today can be learned outside a traditional classroom.
(Yes, I said it. Take a deep breath before you pick up the stones.)
CASE STUDY 1: THE KENYAN “LAWYER” WHO WON 26 CASES
In Kenya, there was a man who entered courtrooms with confidence, argued brilliantly, shook court benches, asked for adjournments, cited statutes… and won 26 cases.
The shocking part? He allegedly had NO practicing certificate.
No LLB. No graduation picture. No gown from graduation day. Probably didn’t even know the school anthem.
But there he was schooling other lawyers. Even real lawyers were asking him, “Counsel, what do you think about this precedent?”
Skill: Yes Knowledge: Yes Confidence: Yes Licence: No
Of course, it became a legal issue practising law without certification is illegal but the lesson is still loud:
The man had mastered the skill.
CASE STUDY 2: THE NEW ZEALAND “DOCTOR” WHO PRACTISED 22 YEARS
Then there is the case from New Zealand.
A woman allegedly forged a medical certificate and practised as a doctor for TWENTY-TWO years.
Twenty-two years! Do you know how long that is?
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Long enough to raise a whole generation
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Long enough to see Facebook, Instagram, TikTok rise
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Long enough to see Zimbabwe change currencies several times
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Long enough for someone to watch all seasons of Generations twice
For 22 years, she examined patients, diagnosed illnesses, wrote prescriptions, and nobody noticed. Why? Because she knew the work. She had the skill illegally but still, the skill was there.
Again illegal and dangerous. But the message?
Education is no longer confined to four walls.
NOW LET’S BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A MINUTE
Before someone goes to open a “law firm” in Kuwadzana or a “clinic” in Mbare after watching five YouTube videos, let me be clear:
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Practising law without certification is illegal.
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Practising medicine without certification is illegal and dangerous.
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There are professions where you MUST have a licence.
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Please don’t learn surgery from TikTok. We beg you.
Good. Now let’s continue.
EDUCATION HAS LEFT THE CLASSROOM
We live in a new world.
A world where a child in Glen View can learn coding from YouTube. A single mother can learn marketing from Facebook videos. A vendor can learn sales from TikTok. A CEO can learn leadership from podcasts. A hustler can learn forex, design, editing, and entrepreneurship online.
Learning is now:
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On WhatsApp groups
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On YouTube playlists
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On Facebook pages
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On Instagram reels
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On online courses
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On podcasts
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On digital mentorship
Your lecturer is no longer sitting on a wooden chair in a dusty classroom. Your lecturer might now be a Nigerian tech founder on YouTube or an Indian accountant explaining cashflow on TikTok.
THE NEW UNIVERSITY HAS A LIKE BUTTON
The modern classroom looks like this:
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A smartphone
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A WiFi connection
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Earphones
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A curious mind
Your graduation ceremony? It’s when your skill starts putting money in your pocket.
Your “certificate”? Your results. Your consistency. Your portfolio. Your real-life output.
THE PEOPLE WHO MOCK ONLINE LEARNING ARE STILL WAITING FOR UPLOADED NOTES
Meanwhile, the online learner:
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Already built a website
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Edited a video
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Closed a client
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Created a logo
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Started a side hustle
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Earned their first $200 online
All from tutorials.
They don’t have a certificate but they have a skill.
THE FINAL WORD
Classrooms still matter. Degrees still matter. Licences still matter especially in regulated fields.
But the truth remains:
Education is no longer trapped inside a classroom.
You can learn from anywhere. You can master anything. You can start today with your phone, your data, and your determination.
If you wait for the classroom to transform your life… someone who watches YouTube tutorials at midnight will outrun you.
Skills are everywhere. Knowledge is everywhere. Your growth is now in your hands and your bundle
Get in touch with us for sales training, entrepreneurship coaching, digital skills development, and strategy formulation tailored for tomorrow’s leaders. Stop waiting for the classroom build your future now. **+**263 77 961 9739 | +260 972 936 033
By The Chartered Vendor
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