About us

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

Donate now
Volunteer

What we do

We ship tools and sewing machines in 20ft containers at least once a year to our workshop in Kalwande, Tanzania (located in the Lake Zone). There, the equipment is refurbished and prepared for distribution to grassroots community groups, helping them create new opportunities to improve their livelihoods. We also provide funding for essential training and infrastructure development, including the construction of training workshops.

We presently concentrate our efforts in Tanzania where we work with our new partner: Kalwande Vocational Training Centre. Together we work towards a more equitable sharing of the world’s resources.

In numbers

We are Tools For Self Reliance Cymru and we collect old and unwanted hand tools and sewing machines.

Years
+ 0
Sewing Machines
+ 0
Tools
+ 0 k

In Wales

TFSR Cymru currently has around 70 volunteers — men and women of all ages. Our board of trustees is entirely made up of volunteers, many of whom can be found working in the workshop or representing us at fairs and festivals across the region. It’s a very hands-on team.

We employ one part-time staff member who oversees the running of our workshop and depot facilities. We also have supervisors to oversee volunteer training and scheduling and general operations.

It is from our Llangattock depot that the tools and sewing machines suitable for Tanzania are sorted and packed for shipping. The remaining tools go to our Crickhowell workshop for refurbishment. From there we them sell in our co-located shop. Additionally we also sell items on eBay and at the various fairs and festivals we attend. All proceeds go towards the running of the charity.

Volunteer

In Tanzania

 In Kalwande we have four Full-time Tanzanian employees who manage the refurbishing of tools and sewing machines in our workshop on the campus.

They also distribute the tools to the various groups we support and help arrange the training classes that we fund at the college.

We also employ a local project officer to seek out groups that need our support and to identify groups who could benefit from our training programmes.

Donate Now

Where we are

A map of Africa shows Tanzania and its neighbors. An arrow points to Mwanza, near Serengeti National Park, with a "Tools for Self Reliance Cymru" charity logo above the arrow.

Meet our teams

Three people stand smiling under a canvas tent at an outdoor event in Zambia, dressed in aprons and standing beside a blacksmith’s anvil and Tools For Self Reliance equipment, suggesting a demonstration or workshop.

Staff:

Phil Pope, workshop and depot supervisor and maintenance of equipment, purchasing, pricing and volunteer training. Phil is pictured above running a blacksmith workshop at a festival.

Volunteer Supervisors:

Herb Haines, Jeff Knight, Jeff Thomas, Andy Down and Chris Phillips

Trustees:

Katie Blackburn, Emily Tilling, Muir Sanderson, Herb Haines, Jonnie Hill,  Alec Rix, Kevin Jones, Pete Dickson and local legend Jeff Thomas. All contactable via contact@tfsrcymru.org.uk

A group of smiling children with braided hair gather closely together outdoors in Africa, many laughing and looking at the camera, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere that embodies the spirit of charity.

Fr. Akriatus Kumbago – Director of the college

Michael Kimaryo – Project Officer

Saidi Maguta – Our workshop manager

John Mtalingi – workshop technician

Viviana Prosper – workshop technician

Lukas Fredrick – sewing machine technician and training

Victoria Elias – assistant to Lukas Fredrick

Mike Laiser – Patron

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.

Donate now