Leading young people to a brighter future
27th September 2024
When given the support, inspiration, and encouragement to achieve their full potential, young people have the ability to become the leaders of the future.
Nurturing traits such as natural talent, an aptitude for learning, and dedication is vital in developing their leadership skills, so they can achieve ambitions and guide others towards success.
Young people in Essex with these outstanding skills are now able to pursue their dreams of reaching the top thanks to grants they have received.
A leadership legacy
In 2018, an ECF fund was established in memory of a young pilot, Ajvir Singh Sandhu – a talented and natural leader. Following Ajvir’s tragic death, his family wanted to help young people in Essex who showed similar leadership qualities or had the attitude, drive, and ambition to succeed in their area of interest.
The Ajvir Singh Sandhu Leadership Fund has now given grants totalling around £11,000 to help those excelling in sport, music, the academic world, and military disciplines.
Ajvir Singh Sandhu, who lived in Essex, was an exceptionally talented, trainee jet pilot in the RAF.
Having joined the air cadets at the age of 13, his natural abilities were quickly recognised, and he won several awards during his time with the squadron. Ajvir continued to develop his leadership qualities and academic prowess at Durham University, where he studied Geology and completed a master’s degree with first-class honours.
His dedication and determination culminated in joining the RAF in 2015, where his boyhood dream of becoming a fighter pilot began to come true. Training at the Linton-on-Ouse Academy, and opportunities to fly with the Red Arrows and the Slovakian Airforce, showcased his exceptional abilities.
Then, tragically, on April 30, 2016, the private light aircraft he was flying crashed near his training base in North Yorkshire and he died at the age of 25.
Despite his short life, Ajvir’s legacy inspired the creation of a charitable fund in his name, honouring his memory and supporting talented young people in Essex.
Amrik Sandhu, Ajvir’s father, says: “Recognising and nurturing leadership potential in young people is crucial for building a brighter future. By identifying traits such as natural talent, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to community, we can help them to become the leaders of tomorrow, allowing them to spread their wings and fly as high as Ajvir.”
Making a difference
The fund has already made a major difference to the lives of young people, including Rachel Ojo.
Rachel, who has lived in Basildon for most of her life, achieved exceptional results at school and is now on a graduate programme having studied philosophy, politics, and economics at the University of Oxford.
Passionate about climate change, Rachel was selected as a UK Youth Delegate to the COP28 conference in the United Arab Emirates. Support from Ajvir’s Fund helped with the cost of attending the conference and gave her the opportunity to learn more about climate policies as she continues to represent the views of young people.
As a member of the Young Essex Assembly and the UK Youth Parliament, she led a nationwide youth consultation and delivered a speech in the House of Commons. As chair of the UK Youth Select Committee, she spearheaded a campaign on knife crime, consulting with government officials and receiving a BBC Teen Hero Award.
More locally, she volunteered in the library and care homes, and was chair of the Basildon Borough Youth Council where she led an anti-bullying project adopted by Essex Police, for which she received a Diana Award.
Nurturing ability
Also receiving support from Ajvir’s Fund is Lois Pankhurst, from Leigh on Sea, who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. She has been dancing since she was six and, following a rigorous audition process, was offered a place at the Royal Ballet School in London. Tring Park School for the Performing Arts also offered her a place on their Music Dance Scheme programme which she accepted. Lois was one of only three in her year to gain one of these prestigious opportunities.
Her principal at the Leonard Dance Academy, in Rayleigh, where she was a pupil says: “Lois is an exceptionally talented young lady. She is destined for big things and ballet is part of her soul. She is truly one of the most talented ballet dancers that I have had the pleasure of teaching.”
Lois’s mum, Melanie, adds, “It can be expensive to follow your dream and support from Ajvir’s Fund has been so enormously helpful. We enjoy keeping in touch and sharing Lois’s progress and success. We couldn’t be more grateful as without their support Lois would struggle to have the training that she needs to achieve her full potential.”
Investing in talent
“Providing financial support for Lois and Rachel was a unanimous decision for us. While they are following very different paths, there is a similar theme in their attitude to growing and succeeding, which aligns perfectly with our fund’s values,” Amrik explains.
The Ajvir Singh Sandhu Leadership Fund exemplifies how dedicated support and encouragement can help young individuals like these achieve their dreams.
ECF manages 180 charitable funds on behalf of donors who want to support a wide range of causes. A small number of these funds support individuals where finance is the barrier to them achieving their full potential or where they need help to overcome hardship. Where possible, it works in partnership with charities, schools, and other organisations to identify those who may benefit from support.
Last year, ECF gave grants totalling £185,958 to 131 individuals. These grants helped with the cost of education or training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, the arts, and sports. Additionally, they have provided opportunities to learn new skills and given support to those experiencing financial hardship, physical or mental health issues.
Get in touch
If you know a young person in Essex who needs support to achieve their ambitions and inspire others, please email Lisa Green.
T: 01245 355947