By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Aurora Foundation officially inaugurated the Aurora House on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Fraser Street, Pipeline in Freetown. The event marked a significant milestone for the Foundation, highlighting its commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration and innovation in Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ingibjörg Kristjansdóttir, Co-Founder of the Aurora Foundation, emphasized that Aurora House is more than just an office it is a hub designed to inspire and empower. "This building, once a home, has been and will continue to be transformed to reflect our mission: to create a place where ideas flow, creativity thrives and collaboration is at the heart of everything we do," she stated.

Ingibjörg Kristjansdóttir highlighted the Foundation’s dedication to supporting Sierra Leonean artisans and entrepreneurs by bridging cultural and economic gaps between Sierra Leone and Iceland. Through its initiatives, Aurora provides training in ICT and entrepreneurship while promoting local craftsmanship. "Aurora House embodies our fundamental values it is a space where design, artistry and progressive thinking flourish," she added.

The transformation of the building took over a year, with a strong emphasis on local materials and craftsmanship. All furniture and fittings were crafted in Sierra Leone and the space was designed to encourage transparency and accessibility. Ingibjörg Kristjansdóttir acknowledged the patience and dedication of the team involved in the renovation, stating, "By removing physical barriers, we create an environment where every idea has room to grow."

One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of Hickmatu Leigh, a young Sierra Leonean photographer whose journey with Aurora began with a short course. Ingibjörg Kristjansdóttir shared Leigh’s inspiring story, from not owning a camera to winning awards and gaining international recognition. A selection of her work is displayed in the boardroom of Aurora House, showcasing the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing local talent.

In closing, Ingibjörg Kristjansdóttir emphasized that the inauguration was not just about opening a new office, but celebrating a vision of what is possible when creativity, passion and community come together.

Regina Bjarnadóttir, Executive Director of the Aurora Foundation, underscored the organization’s long-term vision of sustainable impact. “We are not here for quick fixes or temporary solutions. We are here to build something that lasts, empowering people to shape their own futures,” she stated.

Aurora Foundation, through initiatives such as Aurora Impact and Sweet Salone, has supported Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs, artisans and creatives. The newly inaugurated Aurora House will serve as a hub for innovation, training, and cultural exchange. Regina Bjarnadóttir highlighted the Foundation’s hands-on approach which has led to tangible successes, including the creation of over 5,000 jobs in 2024 alone and the export of locally crafted products to Europe.

The event also celebrated the achievements of individuals supported by Aurora Foundation, such as Hickmatu Leigh, a photographer whose work has gained international recognition and Jeneba, an entrepreneur who turned her passion for cooking into a thriving catering business.

Aurora’s impact extends beyond business development to reviving traditional crafts such as pottery and basket weaving while providing a platform for Sierra Leonean-made products on the global stage. “Culture is not just art, music or tradition it’s how we nurture and grow the things that matter,” Regina Bjarnadóttir noted.

Reflecting on her personal journey, she spoke of Sierra Leone as a second home, where her children have grown up and where she has built a community. “Together, we’ve shown that growth, culture and empowerment can transform lives and there is no limit to what we can achieve,” she said.

Alpha Sesay, Minister of Trade emphasized the importance of such initiatives in creating sustainable livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage.

He reflected on the past, recalling how craftsmanship once served as a source of pride and economic leverage for communities across Sierra Leone. However, he lamented that years of conflict led to the loss of those skills, with no generational transfer of knowledge. “Reviving these skills is absolutely amazing. I’m touched. This aligns with the Government’s Mid-Term National Development Program and the Big Five Agenda, which prioritize job creation and economic development,” he stated.

Highlighting the potential economic impact of initiatives like Aurora House, Alpha Sesay stressed that similar projects across the country could generate employment, boost incomes and enhance local production. He also noted that the Ministry of Trade is working on strengthening intellectual property rights to ensure proper patenting and copyright protections for artisans and entrepreneurs.

Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and development during the official inauguration of the Aurora House.

He expressed gratitude to the founders of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for young people in the country, noting that the Aurora House aims to change the narrative and perception surrounding Sierra Leone, positioning the nation as a hub of talent and innovation on the continent.

“When people look for talent on the continent, Sierra Leone is often overlooked. But we have proven time and again that when given the right opportunity and space, our young people can excel beyond expectations,” the Youth Minister stated. He highlighted the significance of addressing the long-standing challenges that have hindered youth progress, including the need for both physical and mental empowerment.

The Minister also announced the signing of a Service Development Agreement between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Aurora Foundation, underscoring the efficiency with which the Government has facilitated that partnership. He praised the initiative for its role in creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people.

He also reiterated the Government's dedication to fostering an enabling environment for young people to realize their full potential as well as emphasizing that investments in local talent and skill development would yield long-term benefits for Sierra Leone’s economy and social progress.

The inauguration of Aurora House marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s commitment to empowering Sierra Leone’s creative and entrepreneurial sectors. As a hub of innovation and artistic growth, it embodies Aurora Foundation’s long-term mission to cultivate skills development, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange, fostering a lasting impact on individuals and communities. The ceremony concluded with the signing of a Service Development Agreement between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Aurora Foundation, solidifying their partnership in driving sustainable development.