Meet Our Team
We are a team of passionate individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of fellow refugees in our communities as those who experienced the challenges firsthand.
Anyieth Philip Ayuen - Wisdom
Executive Director
Anyieth has been the Executive Director of Dongriin Foundation since 2019, leading the organization with determination, philosophical principles, and objectivity. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Bugema University under the Dafi Scholarship by Windle International Uganda.
Anyieth’s leadership journey began in 2011 with community service in the church, and he has held various prominent positions, including President of the Bugema University Dafi Students’ Association, Vice President of the School of Natural Sciences, Electoral Commissioner of Bugema University Students’ Association, and General Secretary of Bugema University South Sudanese Electoral Commission.
Throughout his leadership roles, Anyieth has been recognized with awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation for impactful community outreach to Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Western Uganda. He is known for his eloquence as a public speaker. Anyieth’s hobbies include reading, travelling, and listening to music. He strongly believes in the responsibility of giving back to the community, considering it a fundamental duty of every community member.
Mark Matiop Jol - Nickel
Director of Finance
Mark Matiop Jool is a detailed-oriented individual serving as the Director of Finance at Dongriin Foundation. He holds Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Makerere University, Kampala, through the Dafi Scholarship by Windle International Uganda. He is an accomplished individual with a strong educational background and extensive involvement in various leadership roles.
At Makerere University, Mark served as the president of the Dafi Students Association, fostering a supportive and inclusive community for the Dafi students. Before this, he was the Outreach Coordinator, ensuring collaboration and meaningful partnerships. He also served as the Deputy Secretary General for the South Sudanese Students’ Union in Uganda.
His passion for academic excellence and dedication to social causes makes him an invaluable member of our team, where he exemplifies his financial acumen and strategic thinking in managing the organization’s resources effectively.
Nancy Kiden
Treasurer, Student-Based Aid Fund - Diaspora
Nancy serves as Treasurer to the Student-Based Aid Fund_Diaspora. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. She was among the few students sponsored through the Student Refugee Program by the World University Service of Canada in 2020.
With a very inspiring story of being blessed by many generous people through her academic journey, Nancy strives to impact her community positively. She works alongside other compassionate students who share the goal of “giving back to their communities.” Her team’s primary focus is raising funds and lobbying for material support from students like themselves and donors for the students. Through their efforts, they have supported many mentorship programs in the refugee camps and assisted many university students with financial constraints.
Nancy is a very dedicated Dongriinian who believes in the power of collective efforts to impact the community positively. She enjoys listening to Scriptures, motivational messages and music in her free time.
Dhieu Mayom Deng - Goodnews
Director of Operations & Coordination
Dhieu is a highly proactive individual serving as the Director of Operations & Coordination. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at York University in Canada, sponsored through the Student Refugee Program(SRP) by the World University Service of Canada(WUSC) in 2020. With a strong foundation in community service and leadership as Youth Evangelist, Dhieu co-founded Dongriin Foundation, where he leads with empathy, dedication, and strategic planning.
Throughout his academic journey, Dhieu demonstrated a passion for education transformation and community empowerment through mentorship and philanthropy. He held notable leadership positions, including the Donor Youth Leader (Canada) for the Global Partnership for Education, Student Representative to the Council at York University, technical advisor & Mentor to the SRP Alumni Advisory Team, and Peer Mentor at the Office of Student Affairs where he was in charge of the transition and engagement of first-year undergraduate students.
His passion for knowledge as an autodidact, empathy to serve others, flexibility, and time management skills make him a pivotal team member and a senior mentor at the Foundation. He oversees the design and implementation of the projects, Partnerships and Networking, team and operation management, Monitoring, Evaluation and Continuous improvement.
Deng D. Ayuen Kur - Sir Danny
Publication & Communication
Deng is a highly gifted individual with a solid commitment to community service and is the Director of Publication & Communication. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering with a minor in Data Analytics from Delhi Technological University in India under a scholarship from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations(ICCR). He co- founded Continentext211 Creations, a youth-led studio that produces multi- contents to entertain, inspire and educate youth on social issues.
He excelled academically while actively engaging in leadership. At the University, he served as the Head of the Media Team for the Delhi Technological University International Students Society. Deng volunteers his time and skills to make a positive impact with different Youth Initiatives, including the Jonglei Starz Awards, where Continentext211 was recognized for its contributions. In his free time, Deng enjoys photography, gaming and music. He is an outstanding asset to our team.
Tabitha Ajah Chol - Her Majesty
Education & Logistics
Ajah has been our Director of Education and Logistics since 2021. She is a student of International Relations and Diplomatic Studies at Kampala International University, where she served as the South Sudanese Students’ Association president. Ajah is a highly social person with a vibrant network and influence. She is also the author of the book “The Woman of Kush; My Country in War and Peace,” inspiring girls through her writing.
Ajah’s involvement in community service began during her primary school years when she started a small charity organization. She has continued charitable work through high school and university, spearheading a campaign during the Covid-19 pandemic that provided jerrycans for South Sudanese refugees in Northern Uganda.
Her passion for knowledge and her desire to make a positive difference led her to serve in the education department to impact the lives of children. She is an invaluable team member with her social, honest, conscientious lifestyle and strong leadership skills.
Jok Moses Kuol Aluong
Director of Dongriin Library
Jok is an exceptional individual, serving as the Director of Dongriin Library and pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at Makerere University through the sponsorship of Mastercard Foundation Scholars. His commitment to serving humanity and giving back began in the church, where he tutored the local dialect.
Throughout his academic journey, Jok has been an excellent leader promoting harmonious socialization and unity. At Makerere University, he served as the 89th Guild Minister for International Students’ Affairs and 89th Guild Representative Council for the School of Dentistry, Deputy Speaker of Livingstone Hall, Welfare Minister of Scholars Association, and Deputy Speaker of South Sudanese Students’ Union in Uganda. Beyond University engagements, Jok actively contributes to the community as an enthusiastic member of the Rotaract Club of Mulago, participating in community service projects.
Mayen David Manyoun
Legal Affairs
Mayen is a highly dedicated individual, serving as the Director of Legal Affairs at Dongriin Foundation. He is a finalist pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at Uganda Christian University through the sponsorship of the Walk On Foundation founded by Barrister Anuol Deng. His dedication to community transformation and leadership started at a young age as a Sunday School teacher showing responsibility and commitment.
Throughout his academic journey, Mayen demonstrated exceptional leadership skills holding notable positions. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the 24th Guild Government of Uganda Christian Uganda(UCU), Speaker of the UCU International Students’ Association, Vice President of the UCU South Sudanese Students’ Association and Legal Advisor of the Human Rights Association UCU Chapter. He is also a trained para-counsellor and offers pro-bono legal services to the underprivileged who cannot afford legal representation.
Mayen’s remarkable qualities showcase his dedication to community service and leadership. Within Dongriin Foundation, he actively advocates for students’ rights, Girl Child Education and leads the constitutional and disciplinary teams. His contributions have had a profound impact on the lives of many students and those he works with, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of others.