© Dominic Jones 2007

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. To achieve this we work with local partner organisations to provide tools and skills training, and raise awareness in the UK of the causes of poverty.

We work closely with local partner organisations in Africa to deliver effective and targeted support to the rural poor of the region. Moreover, our broad-based volunteer base in the United Kingdom helps us raise awareness of issues such as rural poverty in Africa, and the importance of sustainable livelihoods and income diversification. Tools for Self Reliance volunteers also assist with our tool collection and refurbishing programme.

We recognise the fact that tools and training are only a small part of the answer to the problems facing the poor. Consequently, we rely on our local partner organisations to take a wider view of the needs of rural craftworkers. In collaboration with our partners we strive to provide appropriate support and conditions, such as:

• ensuring availability of affordable credit
• the presence of a real and sustainable supply of spare parts and raw materials
• networking opportunities so that ideas and knowledge can be shared
• ongoing demand for products
• access to further training opportunities.

This integrated approach to development helps to ensure a culture of self-reliance, not dependency.

Our shared values

The following themes and values underpin everything we do:

• our humanity is bound up with each others – there is an African term for this, ubuntu
• we are all born equal and have a right to remain so
• we all have the right to be someone in life
• working in partnership involves respecting each other for our differences as well as our strengths
• reusing tools and skills help counter waste
• we care deeply about our work and the people we affect.

At Tools for Self Reliance we continually strive to find more effective ways of working with our partners in Africa. Our Organisational Strategy outlines our vision, mission, core principles, distinctive approach and objectives in more detail.