Mvikeli Dhlodhlo, an industrial pattern-maker from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, has found his passion in making educational toys and resources for children.
Beginning his career over 10 years ago in industrial pattern-making, Mvikeli has always aspired to have his own business. Working hard and learning all he could, pattern-making took him around the country, as well as to South Africa. However, after moving back to Zimbabwe, Mvikeli came to Victoria Falls and jumped at the opportunity to start his own business.
With a love for creativity, Mvikeli sought to find a gap in the market for products that he could design and make. Having two sisters as teachers and much conversation revolving around education, he came to the realisation that “children are expected to all of a sudden grasp what they are being taught at school, but little or nothing is done to help them get the practical experience of what they are taught”.
And so the initial idea of the toys was born. The name “O’Kidoh” arose as Mvikeli wanted a name that would be relevant and universal, without losing the sense of playfulness. Thus, using the word “kids” with the local vernacular plural of “o” at the beginning has made a catchy brand name.
Made from pine, which is an exotic timber, and painted in bright colours, the O’Kidoh products are both sustainable and appealing to children. Ranging from letters, to puzzles, mathematical games, and shapes, just to name a few, Mvikeli has an expanding range of products that focus on various skills for children to learn in a practical way. With customisable products such as puzzles and word games, various age groups are catered for, and the possibilities for future products are endless.
We are so excited to share Mvikeli’s story, and aim to include his products in all the schools we work with, giving children a variety of durable and sustainable educational toys that will positively impact many in the years to come.
