The Atinga Project

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Undoing the Damage Done by “One-for-One”

The Atinga Project (AP) began as a social enterprise in 2014, partnering with Rwandan artisan-shoemakers to support the sale of their recycled-tire footwear. Not your typical flip-flops, these sandals are hand-crafted by skilled artisan-shoemakers, made from discarded car and motorbike tires.

We started with direct relationships with these artisans, both inspired by their craft and furiously ready to defend them economically as oblivious companies and organizations distributed handouts in their local markets. Doing this not only kept prices for locally-made footwear down, keeping the artisan-shoemakers and their families in poverty, it also perpetuated the mindsets of thousands of Westerners who continued to buy into this model. Atinga, which means dignity, honor, and humility, was born.

After a successful Kickstarter in late 2014 Atinga quickly became known as a grassroots alternative to the “one-for-one” movement, representing all who understand the tragic deception of brands that only sell partial truth. With our eco-friendly footwear, we not only told the whole truth - we also shared the real data and impact our model has had on the artisan families who we have partnered with for over four years now.

The AP continues to advocate for consumers to honor and effectively impact communities in the Non-West by walking a mile in their shoes. With the formation of an actual footwear company, we are presently on the verge of releasing our first line of handmade shoes to compliment our best-selling sandals.

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