Littlethings is an entirely grassroots-funded non-profit started by Sarah Thontwa in 2007, founded on the notion that every person has a little thing to give , and that if we each do our part, we can make positive change in the world. Sarah's particular vision is for her home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo. She started her work in helping other young women in the DR Congo through making simple necklaces and earrings in her dorm room while she was still an undergraduate student in Chicago, IL. Sarah's jewelry project slowly grew to include other like-minded young women, and we started holding jewelry parties and inviting more people to share their little things through jewelry making.

That first year we had one Littlethings' sponsorship in place, a Congolese girl whose name is also Sarah. Now in 2009, we are sending ten girls to school, some through direct sponsorships and others through funds raised from jewelry sales. We are a staff entirely made of volunteers, each of us giving our little thing.  We trust that our efforts in raising funds and awareness across the United States will offer a few young women in the DR Congo the opportunity to reach their dreams, and in turn give back to the world.

Our mission is to create a safe and supoprtive environment where young girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo are inspired to believe in themselves, are encouraged to reach their goals, and to live up to their fullest potential. Our social entrepreneurship initiative aims to help marginalized women find employment through their own work.

Our goals are to:
1. Implement innovative programs and services that promote self-esteem, goal-setting, healthy lifestyles, and personal accountability for young girls
2. Commit to raising awareness on issues of gender and poverty
3. Empower women's activities through microfinancing
4. Provide trainings and tools enabling them to start their own activities or business.

Learn more about our volunteers and the Democratic Republic of Congo!