
2020
Nhial Deng
- Age: 24
- | He/him/his
Region:
Country of Origin:
Country of Residence:
Expertise Areas:
I aspire to a world where everyone, everywhere lives a life of dignity and young people have a safe space to lead and drive positive change in their communities.
- Nhial Deng
Bio
Nhial Deng is originally from Ethiopia and currently lives in Kenya. He is currently working toward a Certificate in Journalism and Filmmaking from the FilmAid International Media Training Program. Nhial is an IT Consultant with Take Action Global (Project Kakuma), a member of the Amala Education Youth Advisory Group, Head of the Alumni Association at URISE Initiative for Africa, and Chair of the Refugee Youth Peace Ambassadors.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
During my first few years in Kakuma, a refugee camp in Kenya, I was appalled by how cultural norms and health play a major role in girls' access to education, leadership, and other opportunities. I realized that cultural norms, health, and security makes going to a classroom extremely difficult for young girls and women in protracted contexts. These findings stirred up a burning desire in me to advocate for young girls' and women's access to educational opportunities. I step up to be the change I want to see in my community.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
Initiating a mentorship program for young adolescent girls in Kakuma at the Refugee Youth Peace Ambassadors, mobilizing girls in the camp to apply for Amala Education's Courses, helping more girls to actively engage in the URISE Initiative for Africa's Alumni Association, supporting the development of safe spaces for young girls and women across schools in the camp, and currently, providing consultancy services at Project Kakuma, which aims to provide quality education to young girls and boys in Kakuma Refugee Camp.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
Meditating, jogging, listening to gospel music, reading, and writing.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
- Nuer (Advanced/Native)
- Swahili (Intermediate)
Publications:
Speaks On:
- refugee education
- gender equality in humanitarian and emergency contexts
- peace and security
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- Global Volunteer Leadership Training - Greenpeace International (2019-2020)
- Understanding the Rights of Women & Girls - YALI Network Online Course (2019)
- Ideas for a Better World: Leading Change through Policymaking - British Council (2019)
- Health Education - International Rescue Committee (2014)
- Young African Leaders Initiative
- Global Changemaker
- SDGs Changemaker
- MLK Jr. SDGC Recognition