Tools for Self Reliance aims to empower artisans working in developing countries so that they can better participate in the development of themselves and their communities .

We believe that people in poor countries are the best placed to know their own problems and to find ways of overcoming them. We therefore work with local organisations whom we call partners to provide an holistic approach to helping the artisan sector. Whilst our partners help with training and business development we send out hand tools. These tools are collected and refurbished by hundreds of people throughout the UK.

Experience has also taught us that we can be more effective when we collaborate with like-minded organisations and so we also link with other organisations in our work.

In the UK we specialise in the sending of tools but we recognise that hand tools alone will not have a long term impact on the root causes of poverty. We therefore join with campaigning organisations to campaign on issues such as ‘Cut the Strings’, which is organised by Jubilee Debt Campaign. Other organisations we support are Trade Justice, Fair Trade and Make Poverty History.