Duku Loruba Manasseh
Type: Applicant Led, Mountaintop Anglican Fellowship
Hometown: Kajo Keji, South Sudan
Fellowship Location: Kajo Keji, South Sudan
What inspired you to join Mountaintop?
"Through resilience and resourcefulness, we transform adversity into opportunity, empowering our community to rise and thrive together."
Duku Loruba Manasseh, a resolute and visionary leader, channels his harrowing experiences from a South Sudanese refugee camp into transformative action for his community in Kajo Keji. Growing up amid adversity, Duku witnessed firsthand the severe implications of the war on education and economic stability, especially for young people and mothers. This forged his determination to combat these systemic barriers through his flagship initiative, the RiseUp SkillUp Initiative. Aimed at breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and lack of education, this comprehensive program empowers young mothers and youths through targeted vocational training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Under Duku's strategic leadership, the RiseUp SkillUp Initiative has already made substantial strides in enhancing employability and self-sufficiency among the most vulnerable populations. Duku oversees the development of tailored training in critical skills—ranging from agriculture to digital literacy—and facilitates access to micro-loans and scholarships. His efforts are deeply community-centric, involving local leaders and international partners to ensure that the programs are culturally relevant and sustainable. These endeavors not only uplift individuals but also instill a robust framework for community resilience and economic development.
Looking ahead, Duku Loruba Manasseh has set formidable objectives to broaden the scope of the RiseUp SkillUp Initiative, with plans to influence the lives of over 30,000 young mothers and youths in the next five years. His advocacy efforts are also expanding to improve maternal healthcare and promote educational reforms designed to create an environment conducive to learning. Unyieldingly committed and endlessly inventive, Duku stands not only as a catalyst for substantial change but also as a beacon of hope. He propels his community toward a vision where they are not only able to withstand but also overcome the adversities of the present and future.
As part of his fellowship, Duku remains dedicated to serving and uplifting his home community by implementing sustainable solutions that address their longstanding challenges.