Leading With Purpose, Serving With Compassion
The Maale Foundation is led by a dedicated team of educators, community leaders, and professionals who share one common mission: expanding access to quality education for vulnerable children across South Sudan. Together, we provide the leadership, accountability, and vision needed to create lasting change.
Meet Our Founder
The Maale Foundation was founded in 2022 by Bijiek Jieknyal, who believes that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, regardless of their circumstances.
Driven by a deep commitment to serving vulnerable children, especially girls and youth in displaced communities, he established the foundation to expand access to education, strengthen communities, and create opportunities that last for generations.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Behind every program, partnership, and initiative is a team committed to responsible leadership, transparency, and long-term impact. Together, they guide the foundation’s mission and work alongside communities to expand educational opportunities across South Sudan.
Abraham Nguet Tudeal
Board Chairman
Abraham Nguet Tudeal provides strategic leadership to the Maale Foundation’s Board of Directors, supporting strong governance and organizational accountability. He brings extensive experience in banking, finance, administration, and management, with a career spanning several leadership and financial roles. As a Relationship Manager at Stanbic Bank and former Finance Assistant/HR Admin Officer at Save the Children, he has developed strong expertise in client relations, financial management, and organizational operations. His leadership, governance experience, and commitment to accountability help strengthen the Foundation’s mission to transform lives through education.
Jezira Gatwech
Board Member
Jezira Gatwech serves as a Board Member of the Maale Foundation, bringing experience in finance, business administration, and financial accountability. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Cavendish University in Uganda and has more than five years of experience as a Financial Analyst with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). His professional background includes budgeting, financial planning, resource management, and supporting responsible financial practices in humanitarian operations. As a Board Member, Jezira contributes his financial expertise to strengthen governance, support strategic decisions, and advance the Foundation’s mission of expanding educational opportunities for vulnerable children in South Sudan.
Agustino Donge Giel
Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)
Agustino Donge Giel serves as the Chief Compliance Officer of the Maale Foundation, ensuring the organization maintains high standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. He oversees compliance with legal, ethical, regulatory, and nonprofit requirements while developing policies that promote responsible organizational practices. Agustino also conducts compliance reviews and audits, advises leadership on risk management and governance, and ensures proper reporting and record-keeping. His work strengthens trust with donors, partners, and communities while helping protect the Foundation’s reputation and long-term sustainability.
James Bishow
Financial Manager
James Bishow serves as the Financial Manager of the Maale Foundation, bringing experience in banking, financial oversight, and business management. His background at Stanbic Bank provided strong expertise in financial operations, account management, and compliance, while running his own grocery business strengthened his practical skills in budgeting, inventory, payroll, and customer relations. At the Foundation, James helps maintain strong financial systems built on transparency, accountability, and sustainable practices. His combination of financial expertise and hands-on business experience supports the Foundation’s mission to serve vulnerable children and communities in South Sudan.
Sarah Tesloi
Director of Marketing & Communication
Sarah Tesloi leads the Maale Foundation’s marketing and communications, overseeing its visibility, branding, public engagement, and overall external messaging. She develops and implements communication strategies across social media, newsletters, website content, donor campaigns, and media relations to raise awareness of the Foundation’s mission and attract meaningful support. Sarah also creates compelling stories that highlight the impact of the Foundation’s programs, connect with diverse audiences, and inspire supporters to take action. Through consistent and engaging communication, she strengthens donor relationships, expands community support, and helps amplify the Foundation’s vision of transforming lives through education.
Nyuon Kuany Deng
Secretary
Nyuon Kuany Deng serves as Secretary of the Maale Foundation, supporting effective coordination, communication, and administrative organization across the Foundation’s activities. In this role, Nyuon helps maintain accurate records, coordinate meetings, prepare important documentation, and ensure that information is communicated clearly among the Board, leadership, and other stakeholders. Nyuon contributes to the smooth day-to-day functioning of the organization by helping keep schedules, correspondence, and organizational records properly managed and up to date. Through this work, Nyuon supports strong governance, accountability, and collaboration as the Foundation advances its mission to transform lives through education.
Martin Ken Bolith
Education Manager
Martin Ken Bolith serves as the Education Manager of the Maale Foundation, supporting the planning and coordination of the Foundation’s educational activities and programs. In this role, he helps ensure that education initiatives are organized effectively and remain focused on the needs of children and communities. Martin contributes to the coordination of educational resources, program activities, and collaboration with those involved in delivering learning opportunities. His work supports the Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to education and creating meaningful opportunities for vulnerable children in South Sudan.
Leadership Rooted in Service
At the Maale Foundation, leadership is about serving communities, listening to local voices, and creating opportunities that produce lasting change. Every decision is guided by integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to ensuring that children receive the education they deserve.
🤝 Community First
Working alongside local communities to understand their needs and build sustainable solutions.
🎯 Purpose-Driven Leadership
Every initiative is guided by a clear mission to improve educational opportunities for children.
⚖ Accountability & Transparency
Managing resources responsibly while maintaining the trust of donors, volunteers, and partners.
🌱 Long-Term Commitment
Building programs designed to create lasting impact rather than short-term assistance.
One Mission. One Team.
Creating meaningful change requires collaboration. The Maale Foundation brings together educators, community leaders, volunteers, donors, and partners who share a common commitment to expanding educational opportunities across South Sudan.
By working together, we are able to strengthen schools, empower communities, and invest in the next generation of leaders.
Join Our Mission
Behind every successful program is a community of supporters who believe education changes lives. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or partner with us, your support helps create new opportunities for children across South Sudan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Maale Foundation a registered nonprofit organization?
Yes. The Maale Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS. Eligible donations are tax-deductible in accordance with U.S. tax regulations.
How does the Maale Foundation help children in South Sudan?
We improve access to education by supporting school construction, scholarships, teacher training, literacy initiatives, and community-based programs that create long-term educational opportunities.
How can I support the Maale Foundation?
You can make a donation, volunteer your time, partner with the foundation, help spread awareness, or purchase products through our Shop to Support program.
Where does the foundation operate?
Our programs focus on underserved and displaced communities across South Sudan, where access to quality education remains limited.
How are donations used?
Donations help fund educational programs, school infrastructure, scholarships, teacher development, and initiatives that strengthen local communities.
Can organizations partner with the Maale Foundation?
Yes. We welcome partnerships with businesses, churches, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations that share our commitment to expanding educational opportunities.
Who leads the Maale Foundation?
Our organization is guided by an experienced leadership team and board members who oversee the foundation’s mission, programs, governance, and long-term strategic direction.
How can I stay informed about your work?
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates about new projects, success stories, upcoming initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our mission.
Leading Educational Change in South Sudan
The Maale Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to quality education for vulnerable children and youth across South Sudan. Through school construction, scholarships, teacher training, girls’ education initiatives, and community partnerships, we work to remove barriers that prevent children from reaching their full potential.
Our mission extends beyond building classrooms. We invest in sustainable, community-led solutions that strengthen local schools, empower families, and create opportunities for future generations. By working alongside educators, volunteers, donors, and local leaders, we help children gain the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to build brighter futures.
Millions of children in South Sudan continue to face challenges caused by poverty, displacement, conflict, and limited educational resources. The Maale Foundation believes that lasting change begins with education and that every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment.
Whether you are looking to donate, volunteer, partner with a nonprofit organization, or simply learn more about educational challenges in South Sudan, we invite you to join our mission. Together, we can expand educational opportunities, strengthen communities, and help create lasting change through the power of education.