The Aurora Foundation
Aurora Foundation has been actively involved in various development projects in Sierra Leone for over a decade. The country is located on the west coast of Africa and is known for its incredible beauty and rich resource base. It also has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the world. It is a place of close-knit, supportive communities where people of different faiths live together in peace and harmony.
Aurora Foundation is a non-profit organization operating under an approved charter. The Aurora Foundation aims to be a dynamic catalyst for development and culture by undertaking programs that provide a strong and lasting boost to the community.
Read more about the work of the Aurora Foundation.
Sweet Salone
Since 2017, the Aurora Foundation has been connecting international designers with local artisans to create beautiful, handcrafted, sustainable home goods from Sierra Leone.
The products are created under the Sweet Salone brand. Salone means Sierra Leone in Krio, one of the main languages of Sierra Leone.
With the creativity of the international designers we work with and the expertise and tradition of Sierra Leonean artisans, we create beautiful, sustainable home decor.
Through this project, we aim to better the lives of the artisans we work with and enrich Sierra Leone’s design and craft industries. We work closely with our artisans, ensuring they get fair pay for their work and helping them develop their production.
Sweet Salone Impact Assessment
We understand the importance of assessing our impact every year so we can continue to strive for excellence and understand the true reach of our work. Our impact assessment shows us where we have had an impact but also helps us identify areas for improvement and plan for the future. Every year we interview every artist we work with and keep track of certain key elements, reviewing both the social and economic impact of our work.
In 2023 17.453 products were produced. Production in the two largest artisan groups expanded substantially in 2023. Notably, the Lettie Stuart Pottery exhibited an impressive 50% increase in total production compared to 2022. Brama Town, too, witnessed an astounding 286% surge in production. This growth in production reflects the growing demand for the Sweet Salone products, and therefore, the growing impact on the lives and livelihoods of our artisans and their families.
In 2023, the number of artisans working with Sweet Salone expanded by 22%, showcasing the growing influence of our artisan community.
For more information please take a look at our full Impact Assessment for 2023.
Positive Impact
We are proud of our products’ quality and their positive impact. Every purchase supports local artisans and makes an impact in their community.
Handmade
All our products are handmade with the artisans’ care and craftsmanship, making each product unique. You will always see who made your product on the tag that is on the product you receive.
Ethically Produced
We work directly with our artisans and have a long standing relationship with them. We pay them fairly for their work and support them to work in a safe and healthy environment.
Sustainable
All our products are made from natural, renewable resources from Sierra Leone, and we ensure that the production does not negatively impact the environment.
From Sierra Leone
We have been working with artisans from Sierra Leone since 2016. Despite the country’s incredible beauty and rich resource base, it has one of the lowest per capita income in the world.