The 2008 Tools for Self Reliance annual gathering and AGM takes place on 31 May. Last year we had a record number of members attend. This year we hop to do even better. Invites will be going out shortly.

National Volunteers Week

Our volunteers are such an important part of the work we do. This year’s UK annual celebration of volunteering takes place between 1 and 7 June. For further details about events in your area go to http://www.volunteersweek.org.uk/

Open Day

If you can’t get to the AGM then you must come to our Open Day, which takes place on Saturday 28 June! Fun for all the family makes this an unmissable event! Everyone is welcome. Watch this space for further details.

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

In this area the majority of rural vocational craftspeople are exceedingly poor. Artisans’ monthly income is about £10. The main reason for their low incomes is the lack of good quality tools with which to work, and a sound knowledge of how to use their vocational skills and turn this into a means of generating an income. In order to combat this problem this project aims to provide the necessary tools and training that the artisans need.

This project will provide tools and training for blacksmiths, metal workers, carpenters, tailors, plumbers and builders. In addition, all participants will receive training in relevant business skills including basic accounting (cost calculations), book and record keeping, basic marketing, and business management skills. This will be carried out at a central location in Kilimanjaro and one member from each of the identified groups will attend this session. These members will then pass on the knowledge to the rest of the group.

• A total of 67 artisans will be provided with vocational and relevant micro-entrepreneurial skills, and the quality tools they need, to earn a decent income and help lift themselves out of poverty.


• A further 370 artisans will benefit from the tools and the knowledge that is passed on.


• Local communities will benefit from the availability of affordable, high-quality goods.

L to R: Paul, Jason, Pieter, Ray (Paul’s dad) and Tanya (Paul’s sister) at camp

We walked slowly and steadily (or pole pole as they say in Swahili) for 7 hours a day for the first 4 days before attempting the summit at midnight of the 4th day. Although the first few days had been challenging in places we had been treated brilliantly by our team of guides and porters (whom none of us could praise highly enough – they were just incredible) and were in high spirits going into the final ascent.

nothing prepared us for the difficulties that we faced on that last day

However, nothing prepared us for the difficulties that we faced on that last day. It wasn’t just the lack of sleep, the steepness of the climb or the challenging terrain, but more so the gale force winds blowing off the surrounding glaciers and temperatures reaching as low as -15°C that caused us the most problems and tested our resolve.

At the summit

Despite our water supplies freezing and the sight of people retching and crying in front of us we pushed on and after a brief pause for ginger tea and Red Bull at Stella Point (the lip of the volcanic crater and the first official ‘summit’) we finally reached Uhuru Peak (or Freedom Peak), our ultimate goal, just as the morning sun began to appear. The views of the glaciers and surrounding landscape were stunning, but after a few hastily taken photos it was time to return to camp for a well deserved brew – and the chance to defrost! – before moving on again to our penultimate campsite. Finally, just before midday on Friday the 22nd, we emerged from the rainforest near the base of the mountain and were whisked away for a celebratory meal in the nearby town of Moshi and a much needed shower.

All in all it was an amazing experience, the people of Tanzania were absolutely fantastic towards us and it was something that none of us will ever forget. Hopefully we helped to spread the word about Tools for Self Reliance too and our fundraising is still going strong. Those bright yellow T-shirts certainly brought us some attention!

So far Paul and the team have raised a magnificent £1,891. There is still time to sponsor them. Just go to www.justgiving.com/tfsr.

If you’re feeling inspired and want to raise money for us then why don’t you seize the moment! Setting up your own fundraising page online at justgiving.com couldn’t be easier!

See how your money is making a difference in Tanzania

Group Support Officer

The Group Support Officer will:

• maintain regular contact with volunteer groups, including visiting them
• help groups to refurbish quality tools for artisans overseas
• encourage groups in awareness raising
• help in fundraising efforts.

You will need:

• to be a good communicator, happy to work with people from all walks of life
• to be ready to travel around the UK and to work some evenings and weekends
• a good knowledge of hand tools and ability in refurbishing them, or an interest in developing these skills
• an interest in rural development in Africa.

This is a permanent position.
Salary £18K, 10% non-contributory pension and 25 days holiday.

Job description/person specification

(68 KB)

Application forms should be sent to Polly Read at Tools for Self Reliance, Netley Marsh, Southampton SO40 7GY or by email to admin@tfsr.org by 10 March 2008.

Application form (text version)

Application form (pdf)

(80 KB)

Being a trustee – What is involved?

What do I do next?

(153 KB)

1. To donate money …

Make a donation today.

2. To volunteer …

Find out about the many other ways you can support us.

3. To offer tools …

See what type of tools our project partners need.

Transcript of Appeal

We hope to keep you posted during the trip, which is taking place between 17 and 22 February, as Paul will be keeping a diary of events as they unfold.

Plese dig deep and sponsor them online at Justgiving.com and make those sore feet and aching limbs and all that training truly worthwhile!

Archbishop Desmond Tutu will be making an appeal at the weekend on behalf of Tools for Self Reliance on BBC Radio 4. The broadcast will be aired on Sunday 20 January 2008 at 7.55 am and again at 9.26 pm. It will be repeated a second time at 3.27 pm on Thursday 24 January.

We would like to wish all our supporters and volunteers a merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy New Year!