Sudani Futures Lab
A home for our dreams.
منزل لأحلامنا.
Economic Independence for Sudanese Refugees
The Sudani Futures Lab is a transformative initiative aimed at equipping Sudanese refugee youth with the skills and resources needed to sustain themselves and their families through virtual freelance work. By providing high-quality training, mentorship, and a supportive community, we empower young Sudanese professionals to access global job markets while fostering resilience, healing, and self-sufficiency.
Currently, Sudani Futures Lab is based in our Qadiroon Center in Egypt - a central hub for the movement.
We are supported and Fiscally sponsored by Holistic Underground Inc, a 501(c)3 non profit in the San Francisco Bay Area.
All Donations are Tax Deductible.
OUR VISION
To develop a new generation of Sudanese professionals who can work remotely in high-demand fields, building the capacity and economic independence necessary to support themselves and their families, while laying the foundation for Sudan’s future reconstruction.
Our Strategy: Three Phases of Development
Phase 1: Skills Training & Market Readiness
The first stage focuses on preparing trainees to enter the freelance market and deliver high-quality services. Participants will receive:
Technical Training: Bookkeeping, graphic design, video editing, virtual assistance, web development, and other in-demand freelance skills.
English Language & Professional Communication: Structured language learning and role-playing customer interactions.
Business & Customer Relationship Management: Pricing strategies, marketing, and client communication skills.
Resources & Equipment: Computers, software, workspace, high-speed internet, and essential tools for success.
Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from professionals in their chosen fields.
Phase 2: Apprenticeship & Professional Experience
Once equipped with foundational skills, trainees will:
Work with mentors in a supervised setting: Like an apprenticeship, they will gain experience in a low-pressure environment while refining their skills under professional guidance.
Advance through structured ranks: Modeled after the traditional guild system, trainees will progress from beginner to expert with oversight for quality control.
Develop a professional profile: Those with entrepreneurial skills will establish profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, while others will be connected to full-time and part-time remote job opportunities in the US, EU, Gulf, and beyond.
Leverage our support network: Donors and diaspora supporters will serve as professional references and connectors, helping match trained professionals with potential employers.
Phase 3: Building a Freelance & Recruitment Ecosystem
The final stage focuses on scaling up opportunities through Holistic Underground Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a decade of experience providing high-level backend services for social impact organizations, businesses, and tech companies.
Expanding freelance and recruitment platforms: Our graduates will become part of a highly vetted pool of remote professionals, ready to serve nonprofits, NGOs, and ethical businesses worldwide.
Providing advanced training and leadership development: Those who excel will be positioned to mentor future cohorts, strengthening the ecosystem.
Creating a sustainable support network: The Sudani Futures Lab will be a self-sustaining program, continuously bringing in new talent and opportunities.
More Than Just Work: A Community for Healing & Growth
This program is not just about economic opportunity—it’s about healing, resilience, and empowerment. Participants will join a community of peers who understand the trauma and challenges they have faced, providing:
Emotional and psychological support
Character development (Futuwwa) based on Islamic principles
A strong network of Sudanese professionals, mentors, and allies
A shared commitment to rebuilding Sudan through economic empowerment
Progress So Far
Office in Egypt, the largest epicenter for Sudanese refugees and migrants. A space for workshops, training, medical treatments, and a safehouse for people in crisis.
Self-care and Healing Workshops. Providing regular spaces to support mental-wellbeing, supporting people to regain normalcy after the crisis. Food and transportation stipends are provided for accessibility. This has built deep trust over the last 2 years.
English Language Training: The first cohort of 45 activists, many of whom were injured in the war and revolution, have begun regular english language lessons together.
Community Whatsapp Group: A space for them to support each other, coordinating everything from work opportunities to childcare.
How You Can Help
Financial Donations (Tax Deductible)
Support office and training space in Egypt and expansion to a second location in Cairo.
Fund two full-time community managers who provide coordination, trauma support, and mentorship.
Equipment Donations
Laptops, iPads, cameras, tripods, and accessories for digital work.
Volunteer for English Language Education
Curriculum Development Expert: Help design a customized English learning curriculum.
Speaking Partners: Provide weekly practice sessions (1 hour, 2x per week).
Professional Mentors
Experienced professionals in freelance, creative, and business fields can mentor 1 or more apprentices.
Offer guidance, practice projects, role-playing opportunities, and constructive feedback.
Spread the Word & Open Doors
Help connect trained Sudanese youth with job opportunities through your networks.
Offer freelance projects or hire an apprentice for your business.
Meet the Project Founders
Mazin Jamal – Founder
Founder of Holistic Underground Inc., PurposePlace Consulting LLC, and Embrace Community.
Entrepreneur and consultant with a decade of experience consulting for Apple, Google, Postmates, UC Berkeley, and more.
Coach for leaders and entrepreneurs who has supported movements globally
Activist committed to justice and reviving Islam’s economic practices for prosperity and social thriving.
Abdo Nayer – Co-Founder & Community Manager
Key leader in the Sudanese revolution and advocate for injured activists.
Manages the Egyptian office and organizes the community of trainees and teachers
Coordinates training, and connects participants with medical and financial aid.