Oasis Academy Lister Park celebrates former student Janka’s award-winning impact on financial education and community development.
Oasis Academy Lister Park is proud to celebrate the success of former student Janka Brabcova who has been named West Yorkshire Apprentice of the Year 2025. Now a Digital Marketing Apprentice at BDCU Credit Union, Janka is helping to lead a movement for financial education, savings and community empowerment.
Janka’s journey from our academy to a key role in the region’s leading community development credit union is a powerful example of how education, opportunity and community values can transform lives. As a deaf student from the Eastern European community in Bradford, Janka overcame barriers with determination and now uses her skills to promote financial education and digital access for all.
“We are incredibly proud of Janka,” said Ms J Millar, Principal of Oasis Academy Lister Park. “She embodies the courage and compassion we aim to nurture in every student. Her work at BDCU is not only helping people save and borrow responsibly, but also building stronger, more resilient communities.”
At BDCU, Janka leads digital campaigns, manages social media and supports initiatives that encourage saving habits and financial literacy among underserved groups, including Roma and Eastern European families. Her efforts have helped grow BDCU’s membership to over 11,000 who save a staggering £6.5 million and supports £4.3 million in community loans alongside a growing number of new savers.
Janka recently returned to our academy to speak with students about financial education and the importance of saving for the future and marks the beginning of a growing partnership between the academy and BDCU to promote financial wellbeing and community development.
Dave Parr, Oasis UK Group CEO, said: “Janka’s story is a brilliant example of what happens when young people are given the tools to thrive. At Oasis, we believe that education should empower students to lead change in their communities. We’re excited to work more closely with BDCU to support financial education, encourage saving and help families build brighter futures.”