In an intimate setting in Roudnice nad Labem in the symbolic shadow of Mount Říp, where the Czech nation was founded, race driver and cultural advocate Aliyyah Koloc officially launched FOUNDATION 29 on July 1, her 21st birthday.
-- FOUNDATION 29 is a philanthropic initiative built on three interconnected pillars: cultural heritage preservation, support for individuals living with Asperger’s syndrome, and environmental stewardship.
The launch event, hosted by Czech journalist Jiří Šlégl (CNN Prima News), welcomed international trustees, cultural leaders, and supporters to mark the beginning of an initiative shaped by personal experience and global vision.
A personal journey inspires a global foundation
In her keynote, Koloc reflected on her multicultural background and experience of living with Asperger’s syndrome. “My story is not of one flag but many, a mosaic of identities that fuel my desire to build bridges through art, empathy, and action,” she said.
Born in Dubai to a Czech father with Vanuatuan roots and a Seychellois-Sudanese mother, Aliyyah described the influence of her diverse heritage on her personality: “ I received resilience from the Czech Republic, ancestral wisdom from Vanuatu, peace in simplicity from the Seychelles, strength from Sudan, and vision from Dubai.”
She also spoke about living with Asperger's: “The world can be overwhelming, but difference can be a strength. FOUNDATION 29 is about helping others like me recognize and use that strength.”
The three pillars of FOUNDATION 29
FOUNDATION 29 is built on three pillars, each led by a trustee with relevant experience and perspective:
Cultural heritage & tribal art preservation
Te Moli Venaos Goiset, a tribal chief and philanthropist from Vanuatu, leads this pillar in preserving endangered artistic expressions, from Renaissance masterpieces to the spiritual legacy of Pacific tribal cultures. “Europe has lost many of its values. FOUNDATION 29 is a chance to rebuild them by reconnecting with art, nature, and ancestral truth,” Te Moli said.
Support for people with Asperger’s
Syed Nusrat Ahmed, a long-time supporter of Aliyyah Koloc’s career from Dubai, focuses on creating tailored programs that will give young people with Asperger’s the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. “Aliyyah’s drive to help others comes from lived experience,” Syed said. “Aliyyah’s ability to care for those around her is even more meaningful in light of the challenges she has faced herself. I am proud to be part of FOUNDATION 29, and I will work tirelessly to launch autism support programs in underserved regions.”
Environmental stewardship
Hugues de Jaillon, a philanthropic strategist and global public figure, supports initiatives aimed at protecting ecosystems, particularly in Asia and the Pacific regions. “Aliyyah has created something timeless,” de Jaillon said. “FOUNDATION 29 will leave a lasting impact, and it will develop environmental initiatives, particularly across Asia, as Aliyyah’s racing will bring her more and more to this part of the world.”
A name with meaning and first funding round
The name FOUNDATION 29 has its roots in a deeply personal story. “29 was my first race number, my father was born on July 29, and my twin sister and I were scheduled to be born on July 29, too, but we were early,” Aliyyah explained. “This number reminds me of where I started, and where I want to go.”
To mark the launch, GLEEC and MANDALA, two partners of Aliyyah’s racing team Buggyra ZM Racing, contributed $100,000 each. Aliyyah added a personal cheque of $90,000, thus bringing the total to $290,000 to reflect the number 29.
Each trustee received $80,000 to initiate pillar-specific projects.
Looking ahead
As Aliyyah continues her racing season with her next GT race in Most, Czech Republic, and more rally raids in the autumn, she remains committed to building FOUNDATION 29 alongside her professional career. “This foundation is not about charity. It is about commitment. It belongs to all who want to honor the past, uplift the present, and protect the future. To our trustees, to our supporters: Thank you for walking with me.”
FOUNDATION 29 will soon announce its first series of projects across its three pillars. Regular updates will follow as the foundation expands its reach, guided by its trustees and supported by its international network.
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About FOUNDATION 29
Founded in 2025 by race driver Aliyyah Koloc on her 21st birthday, FOUNDATION 29 is a cross-cultural philanthropic initiative focusing on tribal art and cultural preservation, tailored Asperger’s support, and environmental protection. With a global board of trustees and deep personal roots, FOUNDATION 29 aims to bridge art, empathy, and action across continents.
More info: https://foundation-29.org/
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