Welcome to Tools For Self Reliance Cymru.

Supporting African Artisans

We are a Crickhowell-based non-profit charity dedicated to supporting artisans in rural Tanzania.

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Volunteer

We are a small charity making a big impact in Tanzania.

A woman in a colorful headscarf and skirt carries a hoe—one of many essential tools—over her shoulder as she walks along a dirt path through the green, grassy fields of Zambia.
Supplying tools

We provide donated tools commonly used by carpenters, bricklayers, blacksmiths, and other tradespeople and artisans.

A smiling woman operates a vintage black Singer sewing machine, working with colorful fabric in a room decorated with dress pattern posters—a scene inspired by Tools For Self Reliance charity projects in Zambia.
Providing sewing machines

We supply donated manual and electric sewing machines, offering essential support for tailors and cobblers.

A woman threads a sewing machine as a man stands nearby holding a bottle, possibly of oil or glue, surrounded by wooden cabinets and a window—an everyday scene highlighting Tools For Self Reliance in Africa.
Offering free training

Supplying equipment alone isn’t enough—training is essential. For instance, sewing machines in sandy environments must be regularly dismantled, cleaned, and oiled.

A small, single-story gray building with a red roof and black window frames. A decorated yellow and white arch marks the charity entrance, with a pathway leading up to it and a garden with plants in front.
Assisting with workshop construction

We help establish the training workshop and facilities that make free courses possible

Three women smile together in front of colorful patterned fabric, with one holding a vintage Singer sewing machine—part of a Tools For Self Reliance charity project in Zambia.
Supporting Women’s and Girls’ Community Groups

We equip women’s and girls’ community groups with sewing machines and the training to use them effectively.

A smiling girl sits at a table using a sewing machine, with both hands on the fabric, indoors near a white plastic chair and wall—empowered by Tools For Self Reliance's support in Zambia.
Supporting Women’s and Girls Refuges

Some may have been abandoned or are survivors of gender-based violence. We provide sewing machines and training to help them rebuild their lives.

Ways to help...

Donate Tools

Pass on what you no longer use. We collect and refurbish unwanted tools and sewing machines so they can be used again where they are needed most.

Volunteer

Share your time or skills. Join us in the workshop or at events to help repair tools, sell items and raise awareness.

Donate Money

Help fund our work. Your donation supports training, transport and communities rebuilding their livelihoods.

Our Store

Support us through your purchases. Browse refurbished tools and handmade goods in our shop or on our eBay store.

Empowering people to support themselves

These initiatives help families create sustainable livelihoods, empowering them to support themselves and their communities.

Over the past 40 years, we have sent 22 containers of donated tools and sewing machines to Tanzania.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of those who donate items and support us along with the incredible dedication of our volunteers. 

How you can help change lives

Donations of tools, sewing machines, or financial contributions are always deeply valued and appreciated. They help to change lives.

Tools that are not suitable for Tanzania we refurbish and sell at our Crickhowell shop, at community events and festivals and on our ebay channel. This helps us to be as self-finding as we can.

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Community Groups

We are especially proud to support women’s and girls’ refuges and community groups, such as Hakizetu, who are doing remarkable work in the area. By providing equipment like sewing machines, we help them build brighter futures. Please Read Rehema’s testimonial—originally shared with us in Swahili—which captures the real difference we can make.

What we’ve seen time and again is that when just a few people are equipped and trained, they share their knowledge with their families, friends, and wider community. It’s never the end point—it’s the beginning. A little support can go a very long way.

Our work in Tanzania

Support us

Help us support the people of Tanzania

Donations of tools, sewing machines, or financial contributions are always deeply valued and appreciated. They help to change lives.

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A young woman with braided hair wearing a blue shirt holds a tool with a black and orange handle, standing indoors with blue and white decorations in the background, representing a charity project in Zambia.

Rehema's Story

My name is Rehema Peter, a resident from Kigongo village neighbouring Kalwande College. I am 20 years old and a form four leaver. I got information about sewing machines repair from my local government leader. He said he was requested by a certain Project Officer to identify potential trainees. I was very happy to hear that as l am a tailor but not very skilled one. I enjoyed the training and honestly I did not know that a seeing machine has so many small parts! Thanks for our teacher who was able to instruct us slowly step by step

One other interesting thing about this training was a big number of girls compared to boys. Normally such kind of training involves more men than women since women are expected do just sewing. But as you witnessed female trainees were even more active than men. Three members of my family are tailors and they are really looking forward to have their machines fixed by me when they have any technical problem. I also noted that most of us did not know the importance of cleaning and oiling the machines. Now I will let them know and also teach them how to do it.

It was a great surprise to me when on the graduation day were provided with a gift of sewing machine. I never expected that and even my parents were astonished when they saw me coming back home with a certificate and a machine! Just to add on what our leader said that day, let me also ask you to send my sincere thanksgivings and appreciation to TFSR wherever they are. Getting a two weeks training and a strong sewing machine both free of charge is not a small thing. I am very grateful

Please don’t leave us alone, keep in touch with us, as your children, until we manage to support ourselves.