Duane's a governor in Lakenham Primary School

Duane is one of the joint Pastors of

NHCC but has a special sense of call to serve in the community. “I realised I needed to love the community so I asked the Lord to help me.” says Duane. “My years with Community Action Norwich have given me a heart for the community. I want to be involved in helping the community in any way I can.”

In February this year Norfolk County Council approached Duane to invite him to become a Local Education Authority appointed school governor He has since joined the governors at Lakenham Primary School.

Duane especially enjoys building relationships with the staff and children. As a result of meeting the children in church clubs and at school Duane says, with a real sense of pleasure, “Kids recognise me and wave to me when I am out and about on the street. This allows me to talk to them and provides an introduction to their parents.”

One of the activities Duane is currently enjoying since he became a governor of the school is a mentoring session he has on Monday mornings with two boys with special needs. He is spending time with them building a model boat and a train respectively. It is not his natural bent but the boys are enjoying it. It gives them some time with, and attention from an adult and a positive male role model in their lives. The teachers appreciate what Duane is doing with the boys. One lad has started to play with other children now. The other boy is not causing as much trouble in the class as he has in the past. Duane says, “I feel it's opening up an opportunity to reach out and influence these lads for good and that makes me feel it is all worthwhile.”

Reflecting on his experience Duane comments, “I enjoy the access to the school that being a governor gives me. I want to take a strong Christian influence into the school. I felt I could do that better as a governor than just as a local minister. I hope to begin taking assemblies soon.”
If anyone has the time and willingness to be a positive role model in the school there is a great opportunity. For instance there is always a need for people who will listen to the children read. Many are in desperate need to be able to read but the teachers do not have time to listen one on one and parents either don't or can't help them.