This year, as the Aurora Foundation celebrates its 18th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible strides we’ve made in empowering women and youth, particularly in Sierra Leone. Our work continues to evolve, and we’re excited to share how our impactful programs are making a difference in communities and helping individuals reach their full potential. This milestone also provides an opportunity to celebrate the growth of our organization and the strong partnerships we’ve built along the way.
One of the most significant contributions the Aurora Foundation has made to Sierra Leone is through our Sweet Salone project, which supports local artisans by providing them with the tools and resources needed to create sustainable, handmade products in Sierra Leone. This project has been instrumental in promoting local craftsmanship, creating job opportunities, and preserving cultural heritage. Since the launch of Sweet Salone, over 64,000 items have been produced by artisans, helping them earn a sustainable income while showcasing the unique skills and craftsmanship of Sierra Leone. The project not only empowers artisans but also creates opportunities for youth, offering them a platform to learn valuable skills in a growing market.
Another important aspect of our work is the Aurora Impact program, which encompasses short courses and training programs aimed at providing individuals with the necessary tools to succeed in various sectors. Through partnerships with industry experts, these programs offer training in key areas such as business and entrepreneurship, leadership, ICT, design, and vocational skills. Since the program’s inception, over 1,300 people have successfully completed our courses. This initiative has helped both women and youth in Sierra Leone gain new skills and build careers, allowing them to become leaders and change-makers in their communities.
The Aurora Impact program has also contributed to the success of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To date, we have supported 84 start-ups, many of which are youth-led, and we are proud to see them thrive and contribute to job creation and economic growth in the region. By providing mentorship, access to financial resources, and business development support, we are empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs to lead sustainable businesses. 65% of the start-ups supported through this program are led by women, demonstrating the significant role women are playing in the economic development of Sierra Leone.
As our impact grows, so does the Aurora Foundation. In response to increasing demand, we have expanded our operations by moving into a larger office located at 35 Fraser Street, Pipeline Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone. What started as a small team has now grown into a dynamic staff of 14 members, all committed to the foundation’s mission of empowering people through education, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
In celebration of our 18th anniversary, we’re excited to offer an 18% discount on all Baskets product from the Sweet Salone catalogue including sales from our online shop on www.sweet-salone.com for the next 18 days. This is our way of thanking our supporters and celebrating the incredible work of artisans in Sierra Leone. We are also proud to have collaborated with other NGOs in impactful projects such as the ILO’s Opportunity Salone project and UNDP’s Growth Accelerator Programme. These partnerships have allowed us to further expand our reach and deepen our impact, supporting a broader range of initiatives that foster economic development and social change in Sierra Leone.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to our mission of creating lasting change and empowering women and youth. With your continued support, we are excited to keep expanding our programs and partnerships, helping even more individuals achieve their dreams and contribute to the growth and prosperity of their communities. Here’s to the next chapter of growth, empowerment, and opportunity!
