FYI Team

Albino Gaw Dar

Chief Executive Officer

Albino Gaw Dar is the CEO of the Foundation for Youth Initiative, an organization he co-founded in 2011 to drive entrepreneurship and private-sector development programs to address pressing social issues in South Sudan. In addition to his role at FYI, he is a lecturer at Upper Nile University, Chairperson of Peace and Security at the Horn of Africa Youth Network, and member of the Advisory Council at the Entrepreneurial and Leadership Initiative for Sustainability in Africa.

Mr. Albino’s professional journey includes serving as Director of Research and Investigation at the Employee Justice Chamber and Executive Secretary at the Public Grievances Chamber. His expertise spans institution building, public policy formulation, public administration, and partnership management, all complemented by his forward-thinking and innovative mindset.

As an accomplished leader, Albino fosters collaboration, inspires teams, and drives organizational vision, making him a respected figure in social development and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

His academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds a master’s degree in Human Rights and Development from Kampala International University and a B. A in Sociology from University of Gondar. He also earned professional certification in Enterprises and Leadership Tools for Organizational Success from the University of Maryland, an Innovative Mindset and Decision-making from the Global Knowledge Initiative, Ethics in Organizational Management from the USADF, and Monitoring and Evaluation for African Partners from the University of Ghana.

Albino’s commitment to youth empowerment and innovation leadership continues to shape communities and inspire future generations.

Luk T. Tot Dong

Chief Financial Officer

Luk is a passionate, curious and budding entrepreneur, finance analyst with over 5 years of experience building financial sector capacity. Currently, Luk is Chief Financial Officer managing Foundation for Youth Initiative’s Finance Division, assisting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), farmer cooperatives and other grant recipients in pre-funding analyses including cash flow and profit assessments to determine the profitability and sustainability of proposed projects. Prior to Joining FYI, he works as Field Coordinator of the Young-adult Empowerment Initiative (YEI). Luk is a founding member and Chief Financial Officer of Upper Nile Institute (UNI). He was an alumnus of Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI RLC EA) and also an alumnus of Tony Elumelu Foundation, an Entrepreneurship program that supports businesses with seed capital. Currently, undertaking Certified Public Accountant from Kasneb. He holds Bachelor of Commerce (Banking and Finance) at Mount Kenya University and graduated with a Diploma in Banking and Finance from Mount Kenya University. Luk served as Finance Secretary of Phow Community in Kenya. He was an apprentice and scholar of Alaska Sudan Medical Project/Alaska Sudan Health Initiatives in (2009-2014) and (2014-2016) respectively.

Grace Nyawech Galie

Project Development Officer

Grace Nyawech Galie is an experienced professional with five years of expertise in project management, capacity building, and youth empowerment within non-governmental organizations.

As the Project Development Officer for the USADF Project at FYI, she leads and manages key initiatives, ensuring the successful implementation of programs. Grace plays a pivotal role in preparing sector analyses that guide the documentation and execution of projects, fostering innovative solutions aligned with the organization’s mission.

In addition to her role at FYI, Grace has worked as an independent contractor with UNITAR in collaboration with the Government of Japan, where she contributed to projects supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in agribusiness. She mentored and coached aspiring youth and women in understanding Entrepreneurship and the Agricultural Value Chain, Analyzing and Identifying the Needs, and Designing a Sustainable Enterprise all while encouraging them to pursue agriculture as a sustainable career path.

Grace holds a Bachelor of Science in Crop Production and Horticulture from Midlands State University, Zimbabwe, providing a solid foundation for her work in agribusiness and social enterprise. With her blend of project management expertise and deep knowledge of agribusiness, Grace continues to drive impactful programs that empower youth and women, contributing to the growth and success of FYI.

Robert Ruay Madiet

Financial Analyst

Robert is a financial analyst and the program coordinator for haggar foundation grand, where he uses his expertise in finance to support the foundation’s programs and initiatives. He has also worked as a finance officer for  2scale project, a year project aimed at improving smallholder farmer’s access to markets funded by the  IFDC and for muchinga partnerships, a non profit organization focused on promoting sustainable  development in southSudan

He is passionate about making a positive impact on his community and this is evident in his involvement in various social and economic development initiatives. In his university days, he co-founded youth call for action (YCA), an NGO that seek to improve the lives of south Sudanese youth. Through YCA, Robert and his team have implemented various projects, including skills  training and  education programs, that have a significant impact on the lives of many young people.

Robert is also an entrepreneur and the founder of my style,  an apparel company that produces fashionable and affordable clothing for young people. With his background in finance and accounting, he is well equipped to manage the financial aspect of his business and ensure its success. He graduated from the university of Nairobi in Kenya with a bachelor’s degree in commerce, with a specialization in finance and accounting. He has also earned a certificate in the international computer driving license at international advanced technology. Robert is dedicated and hardworking professional who uses his skills and expertise to make a positive impact on his community

Grace Aguil Garang

Business Development Officer

Grace Aguil Garang serves as the Business Development Officer at the Foundation of Youth Initiative (FYI), where she leverages her extensive experience in entrepreneurship development and youth empowerment. With a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Catholic University of East Africa, Grace is dedicated to supporting youth-led startups in South Sudan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Her expertise includes business development, training coordination, and stakeholder engagement, empowering young entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. Having worked with organizations like UNDP and co-founded initiatives such as Youth & Society – Africa, Grace has successfully designed programs that foster innovation, mentorship, and capacity-building.

A skilled communicator and strategist, Grace is passionate about creating sustainable opportunities for South Sudanese youth, driving growth, and championing entrepreneurship as a catalyst for development.

Ayen Makur Leijak

Media & Communication Associate

Ayen Makur is a dynamic and skilled Media and Communication Officer bringing a wealth of expertise in content creation, news writing, video editing and graphic design.

In her current role she is responsible for managing all FYI social media platforms to ensure consistent engagement with diverse audiences through articles, factsheets, success stories, case studies, and multimedia materials. Ayen also produces audio-visual content from site visits and covers key events to amplify FYI’s global visibility.

Previously, she worked as a reporter, honing her journalistic and storytelling skills, and as a social advocate for a national organization based in Juba, championing causes and raising awareness on GBV, early marriage, menstrual hygiene, and family planning. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Media and Communication Studies from the University of Juba.

Ayen has successfully contributed to several notable projects of FYI, where her communication expertise significantly enhanced project outcomes. Driven by a vision to enhance brand visibility through innovative communication strategies, Ayen aims to expand media outreach, improve organizational cohesion, and drive positive social impact, making her a vital asset to FYI’s mission.

Daniel Tut Riek Ruai

Finance Analyst

Daniel Tut Riek Ruai is an accomplished economic policy analyst with four years of professional experience. He holds a Master of Arts in Economic Development and Policy Analysis from the University of Juba and a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a focus on Sociology and Anthropology from Upper Nile University.

With a keen interest in financial imbalance analysis and the development of remedial measures, Daniel has cultivated practical expertise in risk management, compliance systems, expense reporting, and tax accounting. His technical proficiency includes the use of QuickBooks, Lotus Notes, and SPSS for data analysis.

Daniel’s career highlights include the successful implementation of computerized accounting systems and significant contributions to monitoring and evaluation frameworks for humanitarian programs. As a Research Assistant at the Universal Service for Access Fund, he excelled in data analysis, budget management, and report preparation. At the Fangak Community Development Initiative, he contributed to developing systematic monitoring frameworks and capacity-building programs.

He is dedicated to driving impactful solutions and contributing to sustainable economic development initiatives.

Koang Majual Chatiem

Monitoring & Evaluation Officer

Koang Majual Chatiem is the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Foundation for Youth Initiative (FYI). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Cavendish University, Uganda, along with certificates in Humanities and Physical Sciences from Cavendish University and Information Technology from the International University of East Africa, Uganda.

Koang’s professional experience includes working as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Kibuli Muslim Hospital in Makindye, Kampala, Uganda. Additionally, he served as the Head of Interns in the Immunization, Health, and Family Planning Unit at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Makindye, Kampala. In these roles, he oversaw health management systems, recorded and tracked vaccine doses, and coordinated healthcare initiatives, showcasing his expertise in public health and project management.

He is also an alumnus of the Global Health and HIV/AIDS Initiative in Uganda, reflecting his strong commitment to global health advocacy and addressing public health challenges.

Nyanok Maat

Intern

Nyanok Maat is dedicated to empowering young people through effective communication and media initiatives. Currently doing internship at foundation for youth initiatives, she plays a pivotal role in fostering awareness and engagement for the organization’s impactful programs.

Nyanok is a proud alumna of darling wisdom school, where she completed her secondary education from 2020-2023, earning a senior four certificate. Her academic journey laid the foundation for her keen interest in media and communication.

In addition to her professional achievements, Nyanok is passionate about youth empowerment, storytelling and committed to personal growth and is driven by vision of creating a more inclusive and informed society.