About Us

Kantiono Foundation is a canadian non for profit organization, born from a dream—a vision carried by Rose Kantiono, that became reality thanks to the key contributions of two passionate changemakers: Amadou Kienou and Elizabeth Ikundi. Together they shared the same vision to uplift students and educators from underserved and marginalized communities in Canada and Africa, with a focus on Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic through education, cultural pride, and community support.

About the Name: Kantiono

Rooted in heritage and hope, the foundation’s name honors Rose’s ancestral ties: “Kan” meaning woman and “Tiono,” a tribe from Réo, Burkina Faso. This tribute reflects a deep respect for heritage, strength, identity, and empowerment, especially for girls and women denied the right to education encouraging them to dream boldly and pursue knowledge with confidence. 

About the Acronym KAFO

Kantiono Foundation embraces this powerful cultural symbol through its acronym KAFO. In the Dioula dialect spoken across West Africa, “KAFO” means greeting — a word rich with meaning, tradition, and heart. In African culture, greeting is not just a formality; it is a sacred act of acknowledgment, respect, and connection. It is how we say, “We see you. We honour you. You matter.”

Just as a greeting opens the door to trust and community, KAFO opens the door to hope, healing, and opportunity — especially for educators, students, and families in underserved communities.

Kantiono Foundation is more than a story of an organization—it’s a story of hope, heritage, and humanity. A dream made possible by the hands and hearts of those who believe that education can ripple across continents and generations.