FONI VUNI

Foni, hailing from South Sudan, has a compelling personal background. Her parents, driven by the civil war, sought asylum in Kenya in 1991, with her father, a journalist, fleeing the state. Presently, Foni Joyce has worked in the role of Research Lead at the Refugee-Led Research Hub (RLRH) in Nairobi. In this capacity, she provided invaluable research guidance and advice on the Hub’s ongoing studies within the realm of research and academia. Foni has made significant contributions to the design of a study on refugee-led organizations in Kenya, conducted in collaboration with Carleton University and the Dadaab Response Association. Her expertise also extends to stakeholder engagement, as she has successfully organized and participated in various policy discussions. Notably, Foni served as the esteemed UNHCR Global Youth Advisory Co-Chair for three years and remains an active member of the Tertiary Refugee Student Network (TRSN) and the Refugee Education Council. Her fervent dedication lies in utilizing her experiences to advocate for the support of youth, women, and education for refugees.

*She hopes through her work and experience she will continue to amplify the refugee experience and expertise, work with youth in peacebuilding and education

Connect globally working locally. #forthecommunity.

Marot Touloung

Advocacy Officer

Simon, co-founder of the African Youth Action Network (AYAN), is a passionate advocate for peacebuilding and economic empowerment, especially for refugee youth. Having personally experienced displacement, he has trained over 380 youth in peacebuilding and entrepreneurship. In his role as Global Refugee Youth Network (GRYN) Advocacy Coordinator, Marot empowers refugee youth to address community challenges. Recognized for his leadership, he is a member of the African Union Youth Advisory Council and represented South Sudanese refugees in the South Sudan peace talks. Marot was honored as one of the 100 most influential young Africans and received the Distinguished Award for serving refugees and internally displaced persons. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Geoscience and Production and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Energy Economics and Governance at Makerere University’s School of Business.

*To be an Energy policy expert and consultant in Sub-Saharan Africa.

-Simple and open to conversations.

Rahildaris Marchena

Rahildaris, a Venezuelan Animator and Digital Artist based in Spain, is making a remarkable impact as a DAFI scholar. She skillfully uses her artistic abilities to shed light on refugee challenges and tirelessly advocates for equal rights, especially in education. Rahildaris holds a leadership position in the Global Refugee Youth Network (GRYN) and actively participates in initiatives that promote self-reliance among refugees and involve them in decision-making. She collaborates closely with young refugee students in Mexico, assisting them in integrating into internships and providing valuable tools for professional development. Through her inspiring TEDx talk, “Una travesía narrada por guacamayas,” Rahildaris raises awareness about migrant struggles and advocates for the dreams and growth of young people in new countries. She also represents refugees in international events like the “Transforming Education Pre-summit” the ECOSOC and the Compact for Young People Working in Humanitarian Action, engaging with European Union delegates and participating in webinars on UNHCR’s response. Rahildaris is dedicated to amplifying the stories of young refugees and ensuring their visibility in her career.

*Rahildaris aspires to use her artistic talents and advocacy skills to give voice and visibility to the stories and struggles of young refugees. She is passionate about advocating for equal rights, education, and self-reliance for refugees, while creating spaces for their opinions and dreams to be heard.

Empowering young refugees through art and advocacy

IBRAHIM SALLET 

Ibrahim, a refugee community leader from the Central African Republic currently residing in Morocco, is a graduate in Social Engineering from the APSOPAD International Institute of Morocco (2021). He also holds a diploma in Digital Business Management and Administration from the Higher Institute in Administrative Management and Computer Engineering in Rabat, obtained in 2019., Ibrahim has played a significant role from 2017 to 2021 as a member of the Global Youth Advisory Council (GYAC) at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). His primary objective was to advocate for the active participation of refugee youth in UNHCR’s policies, priorities, and programs. Ibrahim focused on critical areas such as the New York Declaration, the Global Compact on Refugees, and participated in the first Global Refugee Forum in 2019.  Currently serving as the administrator and capacity-building manager at the Global Refugee Youth Network (GRYN), Ibrahim is dedicated to mentoring and enhancing the capacities of Refugee Youth-led Organisations and newly inducted GYAC members within the UNHCR.

* I am an Analyst and expert in Continuous Improvement in production, skills, and quality management. I want to broaden my knowledge in humanitarian diplomacy in order to contribute to social and environmental causes, and thus make a positive difference in my community.

Every day I strive to give young refugees a voice for a better future.

Faridah Luandah

Faridah, a refugee from the DRC currently living in Sweden, has triumphed over diversity. Faridah is a survivor of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as forced child marriage. Her dedication to making a difference is evident through her involvement in esteemed organizations like the UNHCR GYAC and the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum, where she served as a member and a passionate advocate for refugee SRHR. Currently, as the Gender and Diversity Coordinator at GRYN, she tirelessly fights for women’s and girls’ rights, striving for gender equality and ensuring the recognition of the unique challenges faced by refugee women and girls. Faridah’s determination extends beyond her professional life; she is also the visionary founder and executive director of Da Vision, a group empowering refugee youth and women, especially girls out of school and teenage mothers at the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. Her ultimate aspiration is to eradicate child marriage and early pregnancy while establishing safe spaces that enable marginalized refugee youth to conquer violence and thrive.

Being in a new community with different customs, I like to do simple things that help me connect with new people around me. My vocation for women’s empowerment motivates me to take action in my role as a leader for positive change.

I am from a disadvantaged background with fewer opportunities. I am working towards supporting other refugee young people, especially young women and girls, to reach their dreams.

 *Being in a new community with different customs I like to do simple things that help me connect with new people around me. My vocation for women’s empowerment motivates me to take action in my role as a leader for positive change.

 I Am   from a disadvantaged background with fewer opportunities ,I am working towards supporting other refugee young people especially Young Women and girls to reach their dreams.

Barthelemy Mwanza

Barth is a journalist, refugee leader, and activist based in the US. He works with GRYN to coordinate the capacity building and funding that GRYN is channeling to RYLOs. Barth aged 30 is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and lived in the Tongogara Refugee Camp in Zimbabwe  for 11 years. There he began his journey in social practice as a volunteer with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). As a refugee leader, Barthelemy has led community initiatives to address gender-based violence, and strengthen child and youth protection in the Tongogara refugee camp in Zimbabwe. His achievements include his role as Co-Chair of UNHCR’s Global Youth Advisory Council and launching the Engaging Men in Responsible Practices to Prevent Gender-Based Violence against Women and Girls (EMAP) initiative. Barthelemy has also represented his community at several UN-led conferences in Geneva. Currently residing in the United States of America, his impact as a refugee leader continues to resonate in the global quest for refugee welfare and empowerment.

*I bring my passion for journalism, film, and publishing with my leadership and advocacy skills.

Leadership is not about positions, it’s about how often the community comes to you for solutions.