"To change the world, the next generation of youth must be able to perceive it in their own unique and empowered image."

- Rocky Dawuni

The Rocky Dawuni Foundation was established in 2016 as a not-for-profit organization whose philosophy is reflected through its mission, vision, and objectives.

Mission

The Foundation exists to inspire youth leadership and instigate social change through the preservation, promotion and elevation of music, arts, and culture while raising the consciousness of young people about climate change, resource conservation, and environmental awareness.

Vision

To become a Global Innovation Centre (GIC) of excellence that promotes positive social change through education, culture, and leadership programs geared towards the creation of innovative spaces and a community of young leaders who are ethically disciplined and equipped with the right mindset in making the world a better place.

The need for youth engagement and opportunity in Africa has never been greater:

Some 70% of all Africans are under the age of 35. These young people face growing levels of unemployment, violent conflict, poverty, diseases, functional illiteracy and substance abuse despite global advances made in technology, business development, medicine and more.
Youthful Population
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African Countries
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Objectives
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Our Three Pillars

The central concept of the foundation is to inspire an empowered leadership that is centred on culture and the environment; to encourage a new type of citizenry in action that rises to the challenges of the times.

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Africa volunteering, charity, people and ecology

Youth

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Diverse African man rounded of colorful

Culture

Little planet panorama of spring mountain forest, and magabi lake in form of herat
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Planet

Project Video

Current & Proposed Projects

Cultural and Leadership Development Project for Community Empowerment

The Rocky Dawuni Foundation (RDF), is running an ongoing upon request Cultural and Leadership Development project aimed at empowering youth and community leaders. This initiative focuses on preserving cultural heritage while fostering modern leadership skills, creating a bridge between tradition and innovation. Through workshops, storytelling sessions, and mentorship programs, participants are encouraged to embrace their cultural identity as a foundation for personal and community growth.

The project includes training in responsible citizenry, community and national development, character development, conflict resolution, decision-making, and public speaking, equipping young leaders with tools to address local issues effectively and advocate for their communities. By integrating cultural pride with leadership development, the program cultivates a new generation of empowered leaders who value both their heritage and the skills needed for global engagement. This program is being run upon request by partner groups, stakeholders, and cultural and education institutions aimed at highlighting the importance of cultural identity as a vital resource in sustainable community development and positive change.

Bunbong Smart Forest Project for Sustainable Forestry and Environmental Protection

The Rocky Dawuni Foundation (RDF) has initiated a “Smart Forest” project in Bunbong, a village in the Northern Region of Ghana aiming to preserve forest ecosystems and promote sustainable forestry practices. This project is afforesting the lands and turning them into a nature reserve to sustain biodiversity and create a healthy environment and ecosystem. By empowering local communities with sustainable farming knowledge and modern agricultural practices, the project enhances land preservation and forest management.

Additionally, the project offers training on sustainable harvesting methods and reforestation techniques, ensuring the forest can regenerate and continue providing resources. Beyond environmental benefits, the Smart Forest project will support the community economically by introducing eco-tourism and creating job opportunities in conservation. This initiative represents a modern approach to forestry, blending traditional knowledge with smart technologies to protect the environment for future generations.

Bunbong Mushroom Farming Project for Economic and Nutritional Support

The Rocky Dawuni Foundation (RDF), in collaboration with the Australian government, has launched a mushroom farming initiative in Bunbong to support marginalized groups, including low-income families and women-led households. This project provides essential training on sustainable mushroom farming, equipping participants with the skills to grow and sell mushrooms locally.

The initiative aims to boost the community’s economy by creating income-generating opportunities and promoting self-reliance. Furthermore, mushrooms are an excellent source of protein and nutrients, addressing local nutritional needs and improving dietary options. By creating a reliable source of both income and nutrition, the project fosters economic stability and contributes to improved health and well-being of the people of Bunbong.

The Sankofa Centre - A Cultural Innovation Hub

In 2017, the Annenberg Foundation provided the primary funding for the Rocky Dawuni Foundation (RDF) to purchase the former Bob Marley studio and compound in Aburi, a suburb of Accra.

The studio had been abandoned for a long time because of fire damage it had sustained in 2010. However, the mainframe of the building survived.

Rita Marley first contacted Rocky Dawuni in 2016 to inquire about his intentions for the property. It was agreed that the proposed Innovative Cultural Centre (ICC) would be a fitting tribute to the Bob Marley family’s legacy of advancing peace, resilience and equity for all.

The new building has been rebranded as the Sankofa Centre and is currently being cleaned up for future use.
The Akan people of West Africa introduced the concept of Sankofa, which teaches us that it is essential to know where we come from to understand the present and to move into the future.

Other Projects

Above: A massive cleanup is now underway at our first ICC, The Sankofa Centre (formerly the Bob Marley Studio Complex.) Architectural and engineering plans are in development.