At Tools for Self Reliance, we believe in working futures – supporting people to learn practical skills, earn a living, and build sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.
We work alongside local organisations in Africa and a vibrant network of UK volunteers to make real, lasting change. Every person trained, every business started, every life transformed, it all begins with practical support and community-led training.
We partner with grassroots organisations in Ghana, Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia who deliver life-changing training programmes. These include hands-on vocational training, business and financial skills, and vital health education, giving people confidence, knowledge, and resources.
Graduates from the programmes receive start-up toolkits and are supported to form small businesses, so they can put their new skills into practice straight away. This joined-up approach helps individuals move from surviving to thriving, creating independence, and opportunities that last. Read about our Transition to Work initiative.
We receive no government funding, and everything we do is powered by people like you. Every time you give to our appeals, buy pre-loved items from our shop, use our tool sharpening service, or support our fundraising events, you help support our training delivery and change lives. Together, we are creating working futures both in Africa, and here in the UK, where volunteering brings people together and builds new skills and connections.
Our story began in 1980 when a group of committed volunteers, led by Glyn Roberts, came together after seeing first-hand the failures of large-scale development aid. They believed in a simple idea: grassroots communities know what they need to succeed, and with access to skills training and quality tools, they can build their own futures. This belief remains at the heart of everything we do.
In 2023, we launched our bold new five-year strategy, focusing on strengthening our partnerships and supporting even more people to develop diverse and sustainable ways to earn a living. By working hand-in-hand with local organisations, we ensure our work is relevant, impactful, and driven by community needs.
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