Across rural Tanzania there are over 15 million people living in poverty. In the Lindi Region of Tanzania vocational craftspeople face many challenges that prevent them from attaining a decent standard of living. The local communities have identified a lack of good quality tools, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, gender inequality and environmental factors as the main obstacles to achieving a decent standard of living and a sustainable future.

This project aims to fulfil the training needs of 40 artisan groups in Lindi by providing training sessions in the following areas: technical and vocational ability; business skills; HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and mitigation; and environmental sustainability. The importance of gender equality in sexual, reproductive and other livelihood decisions will also be highlighted within these sessions. Of the 40 participants, 15 are women.

On completion each participant will pass on the knowledge learnt to other members of the group. In addition, this project will instil sound ergonomic measures into beneficiaries’ work practices. Coupled with the tools and skills training, the project will achieve a deep and lasting impact in terms of productivity, efficiency, and labour and product quality.

In summary, the project will:

• provide artisans with relevant tools, and technical and skills training for income generation


• enhance the effectiveness with which project beneficiaries carry out their work


• raise artisans’ awareness of the care, causes and mitigation of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases
• promote gender equality and raise awareness on pertinent gender development issues
• raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection and the use of environmentally sustainable techniques.

See how we’re supporting artisans in Kilimanjaro