News Items

Lindi artisans to receive tools and training

Across rural Tanzania there are over 15 million people living in poverty. In the Lindi Region of Tanzania vocational craftspeople face many challenges that prevent them from attaining a decent standard of living. The local communities have identified a lack of good quality tools, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, gender inequality and environmental factors as the main obstacles to achieving a decent standard of living and a sustainable future.

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

Alleviating poverty in northern Tanzania

Tools for Self Reliance is working on a project that aims to provide craft workers in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, with a means by which to earn a livelihood.

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.

Kilimanjaro 5’s big adventure!

On Sunday 17 February the ‘Kilimanjaro 5’ consisting of Paul, Tanya and Ray Quayle, and Jason Wesley and Pieter Booysen began a six-day climb up Africa’s highest peak, successfully reaching the summit at 6.30 am on Thursday the 21st. In the process the team raised an awful lot of money for Tools for Self Reliance and literally put our name on top of the tallest ‘free standing’ mountain in the world. Here is Paul’s account of their big adventure.

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

BBC Radio 4 Appeal by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

If you want to donate money, or find out about the other ways you can support us, following January’s BBC Radio 4 Appeal please follow the links below.

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

Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, becomes patron

The Ugandan born archbishop offered his support to Tools for Self Reliance by becoming a patron in March of this year. Jan Kidd, CEO, has commented that she is delighted and honoured by his patronage.