Bradford Youth Lead Social Change Through Community Foundation

Victor Okokwa-Onyerunma’s Role in Local Youth Initiatives

Since joining the Bradford City FC Community Foundation in November 2023, Victor Okokwa-Onyerunma has become an active member of the Peer Action Collective (PAC), a group of young people working to address social issues in Bradford. Victor’s involvement illustrates the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to engage youth in community development and social change.

Background and Early Challenges

Originally from Abuja, Nigeria, Victor moved to Bradford where he completed his GCSEs before seeking employment. After a brief period working in a fast-food chain, he sought a role that offered collaboration and a positive working environment. Joining the Foundation as a Peer Researcher, Victor initially faced challenges adapting to a new city and workplace. He spent the first months familiarising himself with Bradford’s social landscape and the work of the PAC team.

Victor acknowledges the support of colleagues, including PAC project lead Pavan Sembi and photographer Kimia Modaressi Chahardehi, in helping him settle both professionally and personally.

Projects and Campaigns

During his first year, Victor participated in several initiatives, including:

• A PAC retreat in Lincoln to strengthen connections with other youth collectives nationally.
• The creation of a campaign film addressing unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport, developed in partnership with Northern and British Transport Police.
• Support for the Railway Guardian App, a free platform enabling users to report incidents of unwanted sexual behaviour.
• A roundtable discussion with First Buses focused on safe and affordable transport access for young people in Bradford.
• Co-designing the Positive Activities Map, a directory to help young people connect with community resources and diversionary activities.

Victor has contributed to campaign films, policy discussions, and community engagement events, growing his skills and confidence throughout his time with the Foundation.

Community Engagement and Cultural Activities

Beyond his PAC work, Victor has engaged with Bradford City FC, attending several matches during the club’s promotion-winning season and playing a prominent role in the Foundation’s Community Takeover Day in February 2024. During this event, he led local children on a lap of honour at the stadium.

Victor’s artistic interests include photography and acting. His images feature in the Foundation’s Click & Connect exhibition, which showcases personal perspectives on Bradford. He is also involved in theatrical productions with the Commonwealth Theatre Company, including a show about the 1776 portrait of Mai (Omai) by Sir Joshua Reynolds, currently displayed at Cartwright Hall. Another production, Public Interest, explores the criminal justice system and was part of Bradford’s UK City of Culture 2025 programme.

Future Plans and Youth Work Development

Victor and his PAC colleagues are actively involved in shaping the future of youth work within the Foundation. They are working on securing funding to expand youth services and continue their efforts to influence positive change for young people in Bradford.

Victor credits his experiences with the Foundation for increasing his confidence and courage, which have supported his ambitions in acting and community leadership.