St Leonard’s story
Over 10 years ago, members of St Leonard’s Church had a dream for a youth worker to serve the young people of our village. We are thrilled that this dream was realised in 2022 when we employed Sochi Ezeanowai thanks to the generosity of people in our church who pledged £90k to launch the post for an initial 3 years.
Now we have a chance to look ahead and enable this post to become permanent and we would love you to play a part in this!
Over the last 2 years, Sochi has been an energetic and enthusiastic presence in our community. He has inspired and encouraged children and young people across our village through the many projects he has helped develop, including the Youth Café, CAS youth groups, social events and activities, and the GAP youth club.
When Sochi was appointed, a big part of his brief was to be an advocate for the mental health and well-being of young people in Oakley.
One parent writes: 'I am grateful beyond words to have met this incredible person. Sochi's genuine, heartfelt care and devotion to the children and young people of our village is so apparent and as a parent I have truly appreciated his support and encouragement of my own children. We’re so blessed to have such a special person and youth worker here in Oakley.
Every week, Sochi is present in the Oakley Junior School running wellbeing clubs, leading assemblies, playing football, supporting school trips and activities, and offering encouragement and support to the students. Sochi works closely with the school leadership team and SENDCo and has become a valued member of the school community.
With limited provision in our village, it has been encouraging to see so many new safe, fun, and positive spaces for our young people to be together. Amidst all the pressures and challenges in their lives, it is so important for our kids to be heard, seen, and valued – and for them to have a place to belong.
As a local church, we are committed to seeing our young people mature in their character and flourish in their lives. We believe this is one of the most important investments we can make in our community.
Our hope is to continue to champion Oakley’s youth by securing ongoing funding. To do this, we need to raise £40k per year.
If you would like to support this role, we would be so grateful. Donations can be one off or regular. Gift Aid always makes a big difference. Every penny given will go directly towards funding the church's provision for youth in Oakley and Wootton St Lawrence.
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