News From Tanzania

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🌍 Strengthening Impact in Tanzania: Highlights from Our 2026 Visit

In February, our General Manager Philip Pope travelled to Tanzania with partners from Workaid for a week-long visit to Kalwande Vocational College—the heart of our tool reuse and training programme. The visit was an important opportunity to listen, learn and strengthen the project for the future. What we found was encouraging: real impact on the ground, honest conversations about challenges, and exciting opportunities to grow.

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🤝 Rebuilding trust and strengthening partnerships

A key focus of the visit was meeting with staff at Kalwande Vocational College. Open and honest discussions helped address uncertainties from the past year and reaffirm a shared commitment to the project. While the previous period had been challenging, the team welcomed the opportunity to reset. Clearer communication and a new reporting structure are now in place, helping everyone feel more confident and supported moving forward.

As one outcome, both organisations reaffirmed their long-term commitment to Kalwande—an important step in rebuilding trust and stability.

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🛠️ Real impact on the ground

The team visited groups and individuals who have received tools, training and support—and saw first-hand the difference this makes.From tailoring groups to carpenters and bicycle repairers, people are:

• building livelihoods
• supporting their families
• and creating opportunities in their communities

In some cases, individuals have made extraordinary sacrifices—like selling livestock—to invest in tools and skills. It’s a powerful reminder that what might seem like a simple toolkit can be life-changing.

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🎓 Improving training and opportunities

Training remains at the core of the Kalwande project. The visit confirmed that current courses are valued, while also identifying ways to strengthen them further. Plans are now being explored to:

• introduce longer, more in-depth training courses
• develop clearer course structures to support future funding
• include practical business and financial skills alongside technical training

 

There is also a focus on ensuring students leave with the tools they need to use their skills—removing barriers to earning a living.

 

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🔧 Investing in tools and equipment

One of the most immediate priorities is improving access to tools across the college. A new initiative is being developed to provide essential tools and equipment to all departments—ensuring more students can benefit from hands-on learning.There are also plans to:

• provide additional training equipment, such as motorcycles for training  mechanics 
• address shortages of key tools and spare parts
• continue sending regular shipments of donated tools from the UK

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🏫 Looking ahead: future development projects

The visit identified a range of potential projects to improve facilities and expand impact. These include:

• upgrading student accommodation and workshop spaces
• improving kitchen and welfare facilities
• creating a small roadside shop to showcase products made at the college
• developing guest accommodation to support future visits and generate income

These projects will depend on securing funding—but they represent an exciting vision for the future of Kalwande.

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💚 A growing, thriving project

One of the most positive outcomes of the visit was seeing how much Kalwande has developed. The college is now a more welcoming, organised and professional environment, with increasing numbers of students and growing demand for tools. Behind this progress is a dedicated local team, whose commitment continues to drive the project forward.

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🚀 What’s next?

Following the visit, the focus will be on:

• delivering priority projects that improve student experience
• strengthening communication and reporting
• exploring joint funding opportunities
• and continuing to build a strong, long-term partnership

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This visit was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration, practical support and shared purpose. Every tool reused, every skill learned, and every partnership strengthened brings us closer to a world where people have the means to build sustainable livelihoods.

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