Taban Nuai is a remarkable individual with a compelling life story. As a South Sudanese citizen, he was born in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya and later sought refuge in the UN Compound in Juba during the 2013 civil war when he was only 14 years old. Taban's survival in the midst of the massacres in Juba was a stroke of fortune, but he continued to face numerous challenges thereafter.
Living in IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps for an extended period, Taban witnessed firsthand the issues plaguing his community. Gang violence, community disputes, and mental health problems were prevalent, resulting in loss of life and property damage within the residential camp. These experiences profoundly impacted the youth, hindering their personal growth and well-being.
Motivated by a desire to improve the lives of his fellow youth who had been deeply affected by the war between 2013 and 2016, Taban founded a youth-led organization in July 2020. This organization primarily focuses on Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) to bring about positive transformations in the lives of marginalized youth.
As the CEO of the Youth Proudly Space initiative, Taban and his team have reached out to over 5000 youth nationwide, providing them with opportunities for growth and development. By addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities and working towards peace and safety, Taban's organization strives to create a better future for the youth who have experienced significant distress due to the war. Taban's journey and his dedication to improving the lives of others serve as an inspiration, demonstrating the resilience and potential for positive change that can arise even in the most challenging circumstances.