How It All Started
Fafanto Iridana Foundation was founded in 2023 by Natasha Kessie, driven by a passion to create safe, nurturing spaces for vulnerable children in Ghana. We began by improving shelter conditions, introducing yoga sessions, tutoring, and covering school fees to support the children’s well-being and education.
In early 2024, we prioritised mental health and infrastructure, establishing a trauma healing room and securing plans for further renovations. As we grow, we remain focused on building a community centre, expanding educational and wellness programmes, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The Aye Fern, our symbol of resilience and growth, reflects our commitment to helping every child heal, flourish, and thrive in safe, supportive environments.
Our Strategic Objectives
At Fafanto Iridana Foundation, our work is guided by clear, measurable objectives that help us create lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable children and their communities. Our key goals focus on building safe spaces, providing essential services, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our programmes.
Offer Clinical Therapy and Psychosocial Support
Our goal is to provide professional clinical therapy and psychosocial support services to women and children who have experienced trauma. These services will offer emotional guidance, mental health care, and personalised support to help individuals process their experiences and build resilience.
Build a Recreational Social Area
We plan to construct a dedicated Recreational Social Centre where children can safely play, learn, and engage in structured activities that support their personal and social development. This space will serve as a hub for community building, wellness programmes, and child-friendly events.
Offer Clinical Therapy and Psychosocial Support
Our goal is to provide professional clinical therapy and psychosocial support services to women and children who have experienced trauma. These services will offer emotional guidance, mental health care, and personalised support to help individuals process their experiences and build resilience.
Provide Skill-Building and Wellness Activities
We are dedicated to equipping children and young people with life skills that prepare them for independence and future success. Through skill-building workshops, mentorship, and wellness activities such as yoga and creative arts, we will nurture confidence, self-sufficiency, and healthy living.
Develop a sustainable funding Model
To ensure long-term impact, we are working to build a sustainable funding model that includes strategic partnerships, diverse donor support, and reliable financial streams. This will allow us to maintain and grow our programmes while providing consistent care for the children and families we support.
Build a Communications Platform to Raise Awareness
We aim to establish a strong communications and advocacy platform that raises awareness of our mission, increases public engagement, and attracts long-term supporters. Through media outreach, community events, and digital campaigns, we will amplify our voice and inspire others to join our cause.
Our Mission
At Fafanto Iridana Foundation our core mission is to empower, rehabilitate and empower vulnerable children and youth in Ghana by providing safe spaces, quality education and targeted mentorship. Founded in 2023 by Natasha Kessie, the Foundation is committed to breaking cycles of vulnerability and creating pathways to
independence.
At the heart of our work is the belief that every child, no matter their background, deserves the opportunity to feel safe, learn, and thrive. Inspired by the metamorphosis of the Iridana Ghanana butterfly and the resilience symbolised by the Aya fern, we embark on a journey of transformation that uplifts the lives of those we support. Through safe spaces, structured learning, and personalised mentorship, we equip children and youth with the tools they need to overcome adversity and build a future of limitless possibilities.