Our Team

Our team is made up of passionate coaches, mentors, and volunteers—many of whom are refugees themselves who are committed to empowering the next generation.

Julien Kanyonga

Founder & Exectutive director

I am a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo who came to Uganda at the age of 10. As a young refugee I faced many challenges, and in 2020 the loss of my father during the COVID-19 pandemic left me struggling with loss and grief. Having already learned chess, I began teaching my siblings and discovered the game could help young people heal and find hope. That realization led me to found Raise Chess Academy, using chess and soccer as tools to help refugee youth overcome psychological trauma and build a sense of belonging.

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Emmanuel “Dunia” Cizungu

I am a Congolese refugee who left Bukavu in 2020 after conflict and insecurity forced me to leave my studies in Mechanical Engineering. While building a new life in Uganda, I discovered chess through an English language program and quickly grew from a beginner to a coach. I joined Raise Chess Academy in 2023 and have since served as Chess Coach, Education Coordinator, and now Programs Manager. I am passionate about using education and sport to help young people build confidence and brighter futures.

Sales Manager

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Neema Iragi Merveille

eDUCATION cOORDINATOR

I am a Congolese refugee living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, fluent in English, Swahili, French, and Lingala. I hold a secondary diploma and a certificate in event planning and decorations from Wakiso District, Kampala. I joined Raise Chess Academy in 2024 as a volunteer at the Refugee Youth Super Camp — an event that brings together youth from different nationalities — and have since grown into my current role as Education Coordinator. I am passionate about working with young people who have faced significant challenges and helping them dream again.

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Moise Kamundala Abdallah

mEDIA OFFICER

I am a Congolese national born in Nyarugusu camp in Tanzania, who grew up in Goma, North Kivu. I hold a state diploma in Biochemistry, a university degree, and a license in computer networking, and have additional training in visual communication. Now living in Nakivale, I serve as Media Officer at Raise Chess Academy — connecting the people the organization supports to the wider world through photos, videos, and storytelling.

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Clarise Matanya

CLASS INSTRUCTOR

I am a Congolese refugee who has been living in Nakivale Refugee Settlement since 2014. As the eldest of 15 children, I have long been driven by a desire to support young people in reaching their potential. I serve as a Class Instructor at Raise Chess Academy, teaching level one Numeracy and Literacy and am also a certified No Means No instructor, using my training to help teenage girls develop self-defense skills and work toward ending gender-based violence in the community.

INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

NICK DREHER

JEREMIAH LUKEKA

KUSHAN AZADAH

CHESNEY WILLIAMS

STEFAN VIRAGH

SARAH MILLER

Our Partners

We collaborate with organizations, educators, and supporters who share our mission to expand access to education and opportunity.

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