We believe in the free and creative spirit of the mind.
A non-profit founded in 2007, dedicated to cultivating human capacity and building lasting change in Sierra Leone, through education, culture, and economic opportunity.
- Founded
- 2007
- Projects
- 74+
- Years
- 19+
A world where talent knows no borders
We believe in the free and creative spirit of the mind. Our vision is to nurture and cultivate this spirit in order to improve and enrich peoples' lives.
Building lasting change with communities
We aim to be a dynamic catalyst in development and culture, by executing projects that provide a robust and permanent boost to communities.
Cultivating Human Potential
Culture is the richest manifestation of human liberty. The cultivation of human capacities brings meaning and hope where deprivation hampers development
Born from a belief that creativity changes lives
The Aurora Foundation was created by Ingibjörg Kristjánsdóttir, landscape architect, and her husband Ólafur Ólafsson, entrepreneur and investor. It was formally established on 23 January 2007 — Ólafur's 50th birthday — with an initial gift of ISK 1 billion (approximately $14 million USD) donated by the founders.
From the beginning, Aurora has operated as a non-profit organisation governed by a confirmed Charter and a five-person board elected at the annual meeting.
What began as a commitment to Africa's developmental challenges has grown into a deep, long-term partnership with communities in Sierra Leone. From Freetown's craft workshops to entrepreneur mentorship and national economic development initiatives.
By constantly striving to be creative, honest and compassionate — and by making positive, incremental changes to whatever is within our power — we can move mountains.
Dear friends and supporters,
We established Aurora Foundation on this day — Ólafur's 50th birthday — as a gift to the future. Not to ourselves, but to the idea that ordinary people, working together with honesty and creativity, can change the world in extraordinary ways.
Our connection to Sierra Leone began with a simple observation: that talent, ingenuity, and the human spirit know no borders. We saw communities full of people with remarkable gifts — craftspeople, educators, entrepreneurs, farmers — who lacked only the resources and structures to unlock what they already possessed.
We believe that development is not something done to communities. It is something that happens with them, when the right conditions are created. That is what Aurora Foundation is for. Our role is to be a patient, committed, and creative partner — building trust slowly, and results that last.
Culture is at the heart of our work. We believe it is the richest manifestation of human liberty. By supporting Sierra Leone's artisans, educators, and young professionals, we are not only building livelihoods — we are affirming dignity.
By constantly striving to be creative, honest and compassionate — and by making positive, incremental changes to whatever is within our power — we can move mountains. We invite you to move them with us.
The Team
Our staff are the heart of Aurora Foundation's day-to-day work, managing programmes, building relationships with artisans and partners, and driving lasting impact in communities.
Regína Bjarnadóttir
Executive DirectorExecutive Director of Aurora Foundation. Regína has led the organisation since its establishment in 2007, driving its mission across Sierra Leone in Iceland and the Netherlands.
Chiara Herold
Country Manager · Sweet Salone LeadLeads the Freetown office with a focus on effective management and heads the Sweet Salone project, prioritising meaningful relationships with artisans.
Mimi Mugo
Programme ManagerLeads the Impact Program with a strong passion for youth empowerment, driving initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for young people.
Joseph Bangura
MEL OfficerDedicated, determined, innovative and result-oriented person in the field of Project Management, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL).
Mustapha Jalloh
Project OfficerSupports the planning and execution of Aurora Impact programmes. Plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations and helping the team meet its objectives.
Abigail Conteh
Communication OfficerResult-driven and dedicated, with a passion for supporting effective communications for the Foundation.
Fatmata Barrie
Administrative OfficerDedicated to ensuring every member of the team is comfortable and supported in the workplace. Brings warmth and precision to Aurora's day-to-day administration.
Binta Jalloh
Project AssistantActively builds connections with artisans. Responsible for collecting, organising and analysing quality products, and maintaining the Sweet Salone inventory database.
Hasatu Bah
Project OfficerWorks with entrepreneurs and young people with a focus on capacity building and sustainable growth.
Ibrahim Momoh
DriverProvides safe and dependable transportation for the Aurora Foundation team, ensuring smooth journeys and supporting the day-to-day work of the Foundation.
Haja Kailu
Office CustodianResponsible for maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of the Aurora House. With great attention to detail, she ensures a safe and organized environment.
Anna Rakel Ólafsdóttir
Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Sweet Salone, EuropeLeads Sweet Salone’s sales and marketing activities in Europe, with a focus on building strong partnerships, expanding market opportunities and promoting the work of Sierra Leonean artisans.
Board of directors
Our board brings together expertise in investment, architecture, economics, sustainability, international development, and technology — united by a shared belief in Sierra Leone's future.
How we operate
The Aurora Foundation is a non-profit organisation that operates according to a confirmed Charter. A five-person board is elected at the annual meeting and works in accordance with operating procedures approved by the board on 23 January 2008.
The Foundation's annual disposable income is interest income and other returns on initial capital, and other funds that the Foundation may acquire. This structure ensures long-term sustainability without dependence on year-to-year fundraising.
Building relationships and trust is an integral part of everything the Aurora Foundation does. The board believes that the power of cooperation generates the trust necessary for projects to benefit future generations.
Charter of Aurora Charity Fund
Aurora Foundation operates under a formally confirmed charter, established in Reykjavík on 8 June 2007 under Act no. 19/1988 on funds and organisations. The charter governs our purpose, board structure, finances, and operations.
Read the charter →Accountable to the communities we serve
Every year, the Aurora Foundation publishes a full annual report, covering programme outcomes, financial accounts, and the stories behind the numbers. These reports are our commitment to openness with donors, partners, and the communities we work with.
Build a brighter, more sustainable future together
Working together helps Aurora Foundation sustain its programmes and open new possibilities for communities in Sierra Leone.