Tools for Self Reliance

Who we are

Tools for Self Reliance is a rarity amongst charities – our work genuinely transforms lives.  Every tool we send, every new skill learnt, means a person, a family, a community, benefits.  And that means every penny we raise will help transform a life. 

We run projects across five countries in Africa in partnership with local NGO and CBOs to support people to find meaningful employment and to secure an income that will support them and their families. Projects provide vocational training opportunities which will equip them with practical trade skills and knowledge of how to run their own businesses and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Alongside this, we refurbish and send hand and electrical tools to our partners in Africa to fully equip the projects and trainees with the items they need to build their own toolkit and build their path to success. To date, we sent the equivalent of over £3million of tools, and saved much of this from landfill. 

Our ultimate goal is to reduce poverty in Africa and help trainees and families build sustainable livelihoods.

Our culture and values

Respect - We embed respect into all our work, driving decisions and actions through our shared principles, knowledge, and expertise so that every trainee can realise their potential.

Accountability - We are accountable to our partners, project participants, donors, supporters, volunteers, striving for excellence in all our partnerships, programmes, and activities.

Integrity - We act with integrity throughout our work, staying true to our mission, approach and partnerships in everything we do.

Sustainability - We model our work on sustainability, refurbishing tools, building livelihoods, and minimising our impact on the environment.

Collaboration - We create and deliver projects in open collaboration and consultation with our partners, project participants, donors, supporters, and volunteers.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Tools for Self Reliance is committed to promoting a working environment based on dignity, trust and respect, and one that is free from discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation. Fostering an inclusive culture helps each of us to benefit from a wider range of these different perspectives, experiences and skills. We believe that this creates a happier, more productive working environment for us all.