Sunu Foundation

Mission statement: To help the children in Senegal reach their dreams by supporting their educational needs.

Sunu Foundation is a nonprofit created by Mbagnick “Ponge” Diouf, with the assistance of his family and friends, to help the youth of Senegal reach their dreams by supporting their educational needs.

Ponge grew up in Dakar, Senegal, where he lived with his nine brothers and sisters, his parents, and his grandparents. Although his family didn’t have much, his family shared what they had and looked out for each other.

At an early age Ponge realized that although he didn’t have much, other children had a lot less. He found that giving to others in need was something he had a passion for and he felt a need to do so throughout his life.

“I remember when I was a young boy in Senegal walking by another boy about my own age who appeared to have nothing. I gave him the few coins that I had. I still remember his reaction to this day. Seeing the look in his eyes and how thankful he was made my day and gave me a feeling of greater purpose. That was one of many defining moments that led me to realize that giving to those less fortunate would be one of my most important life goals.”

Ponge now lives in Minnesota, but he has kept close ties with his extended family, friends, and the community in Dakar. He continues to try to find ways to help those in Dakar who are in need so that they can succeed and realize their dreams, which is exactly how Sunu Foundation came to be. 

Dr. Adama Diouf, Ponge's cousin, is Sunu Foundation’s point of contact in Senegal. Dr. Diouf has her Masters and Ph.D. in Food and Human Nutrition and is currently, among other things, a Professor at the University Cheikh Anta Diop Dakar. Dr. Diouf’s education and experience, along with the fact that she resides in Senegal, is a great asset to the nonprofit.