Dr Mawien M Arik, holds MBChB from the prestigious Makerere University Uganda, the only medical doctor serving his village of Lou-Ariik in South Sudan, with an estimated population of 300,000. He returned home after achieving a medical degree within Africa with hope to contribute to a positive change. He founded Akougook Initiative, a grass root organization with a vision of self-reliant remote villages in South Sudan living in peace empowering women and children. His programs focus on health, education and peacebuilding. He believes in using health as a bridge to peace . Dr Arik is a Mandala Washington fellow, 2019 alumni a flagship program of Young African Leaders Initiaitve and also a Generation change fellow, a youth wing program of United State Institute of Peace. Arik is a consultant trainer in communication, negotiation and mediation for conflict management