Aurora FoundationGet Involved
Established 2007

Investing in people
to shape tomorrow.

Since 2007, we have worked side by side with communities, entrepreneurs, and artisans — providing the tools, training, and connections to make it happen.

Explore Our WorkOur Story
Sweet Salone
Sierra Leonean craft, elevated — Sweet Salone bridges artisans with global markets
5
Programme areas
Entrepreneurship, Craft & Design, Pottery, Education, Arts & Culture
80+
Artisans supported
Through the Sweet Salone programme
100+
Startups supported
Participants in entrepreneur cohorts
2007
Unbroken support since
Present in Sierra Leone without interruption
Flagship Programmes

Two programmes. One commitment.

Two of Aurora's longest-running programmes — connecting communities in Sierra Leone with opportunity through craft, design, and entrepreneurship.

Craft & Culture

Sweet Salone

Sweet Salone is a collaborative initiative pairing Icelandic designers with Sierra Leonean artisans to create products that honour centuries-old craft traditions — including basket weaving, pottery, tailoring, country cloth weaving, and accessories.

Every piece is designed in genuine partnership. Each artisan's name and story travels with the product — ensuring fair recognition and sustainable income for the makers behind the craft.

2018
Established
5
Craft disciplines
Freetown
Sierra Leone

Basket weaving · Pottery · Tailoring · Country cloth weaving · Accessories

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Entrepreneurship

Aurora Impact

Aurora Impact is a startup accelerator, giving early-stage founders mentorship, training, and facilitating access to capital to build lasting businesses.

Each cohort takes founders from idea to market — with expert mentors, peer networks, and structured support at every stage of the journey.

100+
Startups supported
9
Cohorts completed
2019
Programme launch

Mentorship · Acceleration · Training

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Voices from the ground

Stories of change

Amie Julius

With Aurora we have learned a lot, that we need to be creative and focused. Aurora has empowered us. Now I don’t depend on someone I only depend on myself.

Amie JuliusLumley Arts and Crafts Market
Mohamed Sesay

The Sweet Salone project created stable employment for me and helped me acquire new skills. I have become the centre's lead designer and primary potter. The monthly salary takes care of me and my family.

Mohamed SesayLettie Stuart Pottery Centre
Lamin Kamara

I started my weaving career with just basic designs. Encountering Aurora was a great blessing for me and really improved my weaving skills. The Sweet Salone project helped me a lot to take care of my family.

Lamin KamaraBrama Town Weavers
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Established 2007

We aim to be a dynamic catalyst
in development and culture

Two decades of long-term commitment — and we're just getting started. Join us, support us, or simply follow the journey.

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