During 2004–05 we received feedback forms from 53 groups in Tanzania, equal to 15% of groups receiving kits. Whilst not all forms are complete the collated information offers some insight into impact the programme is having.

The 53 groups represented 659 people of whom 128 were female (19%). Most were over 25 years old and most were skilled. Nineteen people (3%) had some form of disability.

Almost all groups said that they had increased work, made new products or services, taken on employees or trainees and gained income since receiving the kits. And over half said that they had received help in marketing from TFSR partner organisation, the Small Industries Developement Organisation (SIDO).

Sewing courses

We have had requests to replicate the sewing machine refurbishing workshops. SIDO are embarking on a series of training of trainers workshops in order to cater for the number of people wishing to take this training. Some new small-scale enterprises of sewing machine repair shops have been set up and we have already sent out three kits for this purpose.