About Us

Fanni Ngambi f.ngambi@fodisunderland.org Tel:+447548756382
Manager

Fanni took over as manager in December 2023 after working for almost two years as FODI Operations Assistant. She is continuing the supervision of all basic services of FODI for the asylum seekers and refugees in Sunderland as well as the development of new projects and collaborations helping to develop a sense of belonging and inclusion. Fanni is committed to her role, advocating widely for the future of the asylum seeker community. She acknowledges the dedication and care that goes into the running of FODI through its impressive team of volunteers. She brings a wealth of lived experience to the role.

Farkhunda Nawzadi f.nawzadi@fodisunderland.org Tel +447918814057
Operations Assistant

Farkhunda Nawzadi is originally from Afghanistan. She has a BA in journalism from her country and an MA in Business Administration, Mass Communication, and Public Relations from the National Institute of Business Management of India. She is also a certified translator/Interpreter in the UK. She previously worked as a news reporter for Radio Free Europe, Senior Information Officer for the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, Health Magazine manager for Premier Urgence/Aid Medical International, Translation Officer for Medicines Sans Frontiers, and Translator and Subtitler for Peace of Mind Afghanistan. She joined the staff team in the role of Operations Assistant in November 2023. She helps to run all FODI regular activities such as the drop-in and women’s group and supports many individuals through her language skills. She has lived experience as an asylum seeker in Sunderland and can assist service users who speak Pashto, Dari, Farsi, and Urdu.

Luke Shannon : ESOL COORDINATOR l.shannon@fodisunderland.org +447901276938

Luke is a TEFL and CELTA-qualified teacher who currently works part-time as our ESOL Project Co-ordinator. The ESOL Project, funded by the National Lottery’s Know Your Neighbourhood scheme, aims to not only help FODI clients improve their level of English, but also promote opportunities for engagement in the local community through social events, volunteering, and cultural excursions. Originally from Ireland, Luke attended secondary school in Sunderland and has lived and worked in China, Germany, Czech Republic and Hungary, before returning to the UK in 2020.

Maria Overton: Finance Officer

Maria joined FODI in April 2023. She is responsible for the weekly finance operations of FODI. Although not in direct contact with FODI clients, she has a wealth of experience in working with asylum seekers & refugees from her various past roles in different organisations, among them  Freedom from Torture and Oxfam. “I am fortunate to be part of such a small, committed and hard-working team of colleagues, trustees and volunteers.”

Chairperson: Stephen Newman: Steve started volunteering with FODI when he retired from teaching after more than 30 years in secondary schools in Sunderland. He became a trustee in 2018 and Chair in 2020. “My long-standing association with Amnesty International led me to FODI, and I’m endlessly grateful for all the wonderful people I’ve interacted with as a result- asylum seekers, volunteers, FODI workers,  trustees and donors.”

Jane Nikolarakis: I am a trustee and volunteer and one of the founding members of FODI. I grew up in South Shields and studied modern foreign languages at University College London. I have had a varied career including systems analysis, restaurant business in Crete, modern foreign language teacher ,police interpreter and finally Community Engagement officer in Sunderland with Northumbria Police. As part of my police role, I was the asylum seeker liaison officer and attended the drop in at St Mary’s on a regular basis. I found it to be a welcoming, safe space for refugees and those seeking asylum. I understood from experience how difficult it is to have left behind everything you know and come to a country where you do not speak the language and have no friends or family support. After discussions with those running the drop in, we decided to set up FODI as an organisation to extend the work at the drop in. We ran FODI with volunteers only for several years, achieved charity status and eventually got funding to employ a paid manager, Sandra Watt, who has worked tirelessly to extend the work of FODI, create new projects and partnerships and make FODI a successful and respected organisation. I feel so proud of the work FODI does and that from our little acorn of an idea, a great oak tree is growing.  

Abraham Eiluorior: Abraham joined the Board Trustees in 2016, having been a volunteer since 2014 when he relocated to Sunderland.  He has a PhD (Law) from Durham University and is currently teaching in Jersey.   As an asylum seeker and now a refugee, Abraham thought it was necessary to continue to support the wonderful work FODI is doing, having himself been a beneficiary. 

Brenda Reardon: I worked with Asylum seekers and refugees for over 10 years as a Housing manager and welfare manager. I started to volunteer at FODI in 2022  when I changed my career to work with Mental Health Services at HopeWood Park Hospital. I wanted to contribute to supporting asylum seekers and share my knowledge so volunteer with FODI. I became a trustee in 2022. 

Talha Mahmood

Talha became a trustee in November 2023. He grew up in Pakistan but has been living in the UK for a decade. He studied engineering at City University London.

He has been part of the immigration system for a long time. “I have learned many things and want to share my knowledge and experience with newcomers. I am very proud to be a member of a great team.”

Melika Azandeh

Melika Azhandeh has lived in Sunderland since April, 2023. She volunteers with FODI to help with translation and ESOL classes.