We are a UK based charity working to help relieve poverty in Africa. We work with local African organisations to deliver a programme of tools and training to bring about effective and sustainable change to trades people and their communities. The primary countries we work in are; Ghana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

We run vocational training projects which provide people with the skills they need to set up their own business. We also equip them with a toolkit to get them started. As well as technical training in trades such as carpentry, welding, and bricklaying, we also provide training in business and financial management. We believe that this approach gives people the best chance of success.

“I can find money for my family’s needs and feel like a respected member of the community.”

Robert Nyirenda, Malawi

On average, 85% of people who join a training course with Tools for Self Reliance are running a business and have increased their income six months after completion. With the additional income from their own enterprises, trainees can buy more food of a better quality, improve their living conditions, educate their children, and access medical care.

Small and micro enterprises are critical to reducing inequality and improving life chances for people in some of the poorest countries in the world. Vocational training and small scale enterprises are identified in the Sustainable Development Goals as crucial activities for achieving change, and Tools for Self Reliance plays an important part in livelihood development in Africa.

“I am in control of my life.”

Mercy Mzinga, Malawi