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URDT

Ugandan Rural Development and Training centre (URDT) started in 1987. Their mission is “To enable the people of Uganda to create for themselves: Peace; Health; Freedom; Prosperity and Happiness” and their working premises are:

  • People all over the world are key to their own development
  • People have innate power, wisdom and authority that they can use to create the lives they want
  • Training, education and information sharing are key ingredients in development
  • People with common vision can transcend tribal, religious and social prejudices
  • Lasting change is realised as people shift from reacting to circumstances to being creators of their desired circumstances.

    Bicycle repair shop
    Bicycle repair shop supported by URDT

    URDT have been active in a number of areas, including the setting up of a local radio station, training workshops, schools, supporting artisans and creating networks, and initiating women’s credit organisations.

    Tools for Self Reliance have partnered URDT for over 10 years. Our programmes have included setting up a common facility workshop so that the local population can carry out car repairs, saw logs , plane planks and such without the need to travel huge distances, and networking of local artisans which has resulted in a number of local associations, in particular the Network of Local Artisans in Kasese (NOLA)

Tools for Self Reliance: Stories from Africa

Motor mechanics engineer their way to a better future!

The Mabaale Metalwork and Mechanics group started up with ten members and an auto-mechanics kit from Tools for Self Reliance in 2001.

Goodwill Tailoring Group funds youth training schemes

Uganda Rural Development and Training recently visited the Goodwill Tailoring Group, which received tools from Tools for Self Reliance in October 2002.

Ngabi Youth Group Expands and Brings Employment Opportunities to a Ugandan Village

The well-established Ngabi Youth Group started in 1989 with 150,000 Ugandan shillings and has built up its capital to 2.2 million Ugandan shillings, or £6400.

Kyarwakya United Carpentry Gives Back to the Community

Tools for Self Reliance sent Kyarwakya United Carpentry a small joinery kit in 2006, which has helped the group achieve their phenomenal growth of 500% since the group began.

Success Story as Banakampala Tailoring and Dhobi Services Quadruple their Business in Only 2 Years!

When the Ugandan Rural Development and Training organisation recently visited an artisan enterprise in Kakumiro Kibaale distrist, they were amazed at what they found.

A Little Help Goes a Long Way for Dan and Sons Shoe Repair

This family business applied for a tool kit via the Artisan Support Programme in 2003.

Ugandan visitors show UK volunteers how it’s done!

Victor Turyamureba and Everest Karabu of Uganda Rural Development Training (URDT) recently spent two months working alongside volunteers at the Netley Marsh workshops learning the art of tool refurbishment and sharing their experiences of working with artisans in Uganda.

Tweimukye Women

Maria Goretti is a single woman, an ex social worker and a quietly ambitious woman. She had travelled to a few different towns initiating projects whilst she was a social worker. However, her career plans were disrupted when her sister died of AIDS.