Meet the Team – Say ‘Sannu’ to Dickson

Where were you born?

I was born in northern Nigeria in a big city called Kaduna. I moved to the UK in 2011 for protection.

What was your career in Nigeria?

I was studying as an electrical engineer and was starting my own business. I continued my studies in the UK and graduated from Rotherham College in 2016.

When did you first start volunteering at Good Taste?

I came as a volunteer in April 2015 soon after I moved to Sheffield. I had been living in Rotherham before that for about 4 years and had done some volunteer work there. I was introduced to Jenny and the team at Good Taste by a friend I met at church.

What do you like best about volunteering at Good Taste?

I didn’t know anything about fair trade before I started at Good Taste, but I really like the skillful nature of the craft products. I also think that the link with TASTE – the charity the shop supports – adds an extra dimension for me as they work in Nigeria, and I know about the suffering which happens there.

What do you gain from volunteering?

I have met lots of people and made new friends. I feel supported by the people I work with at Good Taste. I have also learned a lot about fairtrade and have had the chance to gain business experience.

Tell us a bit about your family

I have a partner – Judith, and a beautiful stepdaughter Jasmine who is 11 years old. Judith and I have an adorable son Matthew who is 10 months old. Now he is crawling and into everything, he keeps us all on our toes. We live near Crystal Peaks in Basegreen and I come to Good Taste every Saturday on the bus.

What sort of things do you do in the shop?

I serve customers and help keep the shop clean and tidy. Richard and I talk about football a lot and our future careers.

What football team do you support?

Chelsea – they are doing very well this year. I have supported them since 1997 when they signed a Nigerian player – Celestine Babayaro.

Are you a good cook?

I like cooking and do a lot of it for my family. Mostly I cook Nigerian food, but I can do fish and chips and lasagna and other pasta dishes. Lasagna is my favourite western type food.