On May 2nd, the Lettie Stuart Pottery Center in Waterloo, Sierra Leone, celebrated a vibrant and memorable occasion—the graduation of its second 18-month pottery school cohort. Nine young and talented individuals completed an intensive program designed to foster creativity, craftsmanship, and self-reliance in a country where youth unemployment and skills gaps remain significant challenges.
Since its inception in March 2019, the Lettie Stuart Pottery School has become a beacon of opportunity, providing hands-on training in ceramics and pottery. Aurora Foundation has proudly supported the center over the years, guided by our belief in the transformative power of education and creativity.
The graduation ceremony brought together distinguished guests, including Professor Joe A.D. Alie, President of SLADEA; Mr. Bamike Williams, Executive Secretary, SLADEA; Mr. Mansaray, SLADEA’s Waterloo Coordinator; and Mr. Kjartan Atli Óskarsson, First Secretary at the Icelandic Embassy, and Icelandic potter Guðbjörg Káradóttir. Their words of encouragement and insight inspired graduates and guests alike, as they presented official certificates to the students.
This program—and this graduation—would not have been possible without the generous support of the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Their ongoing partnership has enabled us to invest in programs that equip Sierra Leonean youth with real-world skills and renewed confidence in their futures.
As we celebrate this important milestone, we are excited for what lies ahead for these young artisans. Their journey does not end here—it is only just beginning. We look forward to seeing them shape not only clay but their communities, their stories, and their futures.
Please enjoy a short video recap of this special day at the end of this newsletter, capturing the spirit and energy of the celebration.
