A Touch of Southern Grace : Kidogo Kidogo

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Kidogo Kidogo

A few weeks ago Kim, one of the founders of Kidogo Kidogo, contacted me to inform me about the mission of the company and to see if I would do a post about their phone cases and mission. After reading her e-mail I just couldn’t help but say yes! Kidogo Kidogo {meaning little by little in Swahili} was founded by Kim and her younger sister, Kristen, with the intent of being able to lift the financial barrier preventing women in Tanzania from having access to mobile-technology. In today’s world a mobile phone is so much more then simply being a means to call or text family and friends. A mobile phone can be used as a camera, a flashlight, a watch, a radio, a calculator, and so much more! I can honestly say I do not know what I would do if I didn’t have access to my phone on a daily bases; I use my phone to check e-mail, read up on the news, talk to friends and family, look information up on the internet, plus some, I honestly don’t know how I would function on a daily bases without a phone.

Right now in Tanzania only 36% of women own a mobile phone. The main reason preventing women from purchasing mobile phone is the initial cost of the mobile handset itself. After a handset has been purchased mobile phones in Tanzania are prepaid where owners can buy credits at small stores around town. Mobile banking is very common and provides women with a way to make secure banking transactions, it is also common to use a cell phone to receive health reminders and monitor consumer markets. Women who own a phone in Tanzania have a much higher feeling of personal safety then those who don't own a phone.

With each case bought from Kidogo Kidogo a phone is bought {or phone credits} to give to a woman who would be unable to afford one on her own. I have to say aside from these cases being part of a great cause I really like the different designs Kidogo Kidogo offers and the protection the phone case itself offers. The cases are $30 each and have been designed by Tanzanian-based artist, Sarah Markes.

Kidogo Kidogo is currently partnered with FINCA, a global charitable organization. Kidogo Kidogo is also currently partnered with NGO in Tanzania, Sea Sense; a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the turtle case will be distributed to Sea Sense who works closely with coastal communities in Tanzania to protect endangered marine species. I highly recommend that you all hop on board and order one of these beautifully designed phone cases, which in turn will benefit this great cause! Click here to shop the Kidogo Kidogo website!