Why we work here
Tanzania is one of Africa’s poorest countries with more than 30% of the population living below the national poverty line. This is despite significant economic and structural reform, political stability, reasonable past levels of growth and good donor support.
The Government’s poverty reduction targets include jobs, health, education and training, water and sanitation, and human rights. There is a particular focus on women, the young, people living with HIV/AIDS and disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
Tools for Self Reliance, which started out as ‘Tools for Tanzania’, has been working in Tanzania for over 30 years, supporting blacksmithing and local tool production and developing technical skills in other areas such as sewing machine refurbishment and carpentry. We have helped thousands of small businesses in this way.
Today we support small businesses in mainly rural Tanzania with not just tools and vocational skills, but also business training. We also help people make the most of what they have got by sharing resources and ideas. With our help these businesses, which provide the goods and services to their local communities, are transforming the lives of the artisans and their families. We are helping to improve livelihoods right across Tanzania.
The impact of this support is remarkable as regards income generated, increase in employment (especially youth) and availability of high-quality products. … On behalf of SIDO Kilimanjaro and the entire artisan community who have benefited from the tools programme, I congratulate you for all the efforts you have made to support the artisans.
F E Sauwa, SIDO Kilimanjaro Regional Manager, Tanzania