Our Story
About Candle Light Foundation
Candle Light Foundation (CLF) is an international non-governmental organization founded in 2001 in Uganda by Erla Halldórsdóttir and Rosette Nabuuma. The organization was established with a vision of expanding access to education and improving the lives of vulnerable children and communities.
From the beginning, CLF has focused on supporting girls’ education and addressing the social and economic barriers that prevent children from reaching their full potential.
FOUNDERS
Erla Harldosdorttir
Erla Halldórsdóttir had a vision of establishing an organization to support vulnerable girls. In pursuit of this vision, she worked with FOCA, an organization dedicated to caring for street children in Uganda. In 2001, together with Rosette Nabuuma, they founded the Candle Light Foundation (CLF) in Kampala, Uganda.
Three years later, in 2004, Erla established Alnæmisbörn, now known as Candle Light Foundation Iceland, to support the foundation’s work in Uganda through fundraising and partnerships.
Erla’s professional background included work in office administration, early childhood education, and laboratory services. In 1979, she moved with her family to Honduras, and later, in 1983, to Kenya, where she pursued studies in anthropology.
In 1993, Erla relocated to Uganda, where she developed a deep commitment to supporting orphans and vulnerable children. After returning to Iceland in 1994, she continued researching the challenges faced by children in Uganda, strengthening her resolve to make a lasting impact.
This dedication led to the co-founding of Candle Light Foundation, where vulnerable girls were supported through practical skills training, including candle-making, and given opportunities to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
Erla remained deeply committed to this mission, dividing her time between Uganda and Iceland. Sadly, she passed away in 2004, shortly after establishing CLF Iceland.
Her legacy lives on through the thousands of lives that have been transformed through the work of Candle Light Foundation.
Rosette
Nabuuma
Rosette Nabuuma is a Co Founder and International Director of Candle Light Foundation.
She has been part of CLF since its inception in 2001. At just 21 years old, she met Erla Halldórsdóttir, who recognized her potential and entrusted her with leadership responsibilities at a remarkably young age.
At the time, Erla was volunteering with FOCA, an organization supporting street children in Uganda, where she was teaching girls practical skills such as candle-making. Inspired to do more, she established an organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable girls. Together with Rosette, they founded Candle Light Foundation in Kampala, Uganda.
Following the passing of Erla Halldórsdóttir in 2004, Rosette remained committed to their shared vision. With support from partners, including Candle Light Foundation Iceland and other organizations, she continued to lead and grow the foundation. Today, CLF has transformed the lives of thousands of girls and women.
Rosette’s journey reflects resilience, determination, and purpose. Raised in a rural community in Masaka, Uganda, in a polygamous family, she grew up in an environment where girls’ education was not prioritized. These early experiences shaped her commitment to challenging barriers and creating opportunities for girls and women.
From working long days in the fields to advancing through higher education, Rosette has dedicated her life to mentoring and supporting vulnerable girls and women. As a founding leader of CLF, she has witnessed and contributed to significant transformation within communities.
A major milestone was achieved in 2019 with the establishment of Candle Light Foundation Canada, expanding international support for the organization’s work in Uganda.
Rosette shares her personal journey and inspiration in her book, The Ending of Tears.
