Business beats poverty. Hand-outs do not.

Atinga is, ultimately, an ideology. Of historically Ghanaian origins, the word itself affirmed the inherent dignity of the working class, honoring the common people and their systems as the foundational social andeconomic lifeblood of traditional society.

Hand-outs, however do not honor and uphold the dignity of others. More often than not, free or low-cost donated goods contribute to keeping people in poverty because they drive down prices and undercut those of locally produced goods. In some disaster and relief situations, hand-outs are welcome and effective; but they have no place in long-term development.

The Atinga Project lives right in the middle of this tension. But of one thing we are convinced: business lifts people out of poverty. Hand-outs do not.

Today, “Atinga” connotes dignity, honor, and humility toward others locally and globally - particularly in the context of helping others, transacting business, or while practicing development at home or abroad. This ideology leads to a posture essential for individuals to cultivate, especially towards those who are foreign or unfamiliar; long-standing evidence reveals this to be a central ingredient for the success of long-term economic development. 

[Atinga: dignity. honor. humility.]

Atinga is thus a “walk a mile in their shoes” ideology. The polar opposite posture is one of ethnocentricity and paternalism. However, this approach towards helping others (everyday individual actions) and development (longer-term interventions) is far too common both individually and collectively. And damaging. And often, denigrating as well. The effects of this default attitude are widespread today.

At The Atinga Project, we believe the right perspective can foster relationships that uphold dignity, lend a more accurate hand, and mutually empower. 

We stand in solidarity with all consumers who seek to rethink poverty and uncover the best ways to do charity. Walking a mile in a pair of atingas is just the first step, honoring the artisan-shoemakers who craft Africa's most humble footwear. 

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