Tools for Self-Reliance Cymru
SI Port Talbot have been partnered and supporting the amazing work of Tools for Self-Reliance Cymru for over 19 years. This is one of our ongoing passion projects and I’m sure you’ll see why.
Tools For Self-Reliance Cymru (TFSRC), is a non-profit charity based in Crickhowell, mid Wales. The charity is dedicated to supporting artisans in rural Tanzania. The charities aim is empowering people to support themselves. Their initiative helps families to create sustainable livelihoods, empowering them to support themselves and their communities.
What does TFSRC do?
TFSRC deliver a number of different projects, that make a huge impact on the lives of those in Tanzania.
Predominantly they provide donate tools, commonly used by carpenters, bricklayers, blacksmiths and other tradespeople and artisans.
These tools are collected and refurbished at their workshop in Crickhowell, then shipped to Tanzania.
They also collect and donate manual and electric sewing machines, offering essential equipment and support for tailors and cobblers.
They offer free training, so that the equipment and items are safely used and maintained to increase longevity. For instance, sewing machines in sandy environments require regular dismantling, cleaning and oiling. By training and supporting workers to undertake this they can not only keep their business working but can also provide skills to help others.
TFSRC also assist with workshop construction. In the autumn of 2024, they finished building the training workshop in Kalwande, North Tanzania.
This workshop, filled with donated equipment, provides training courses such as;
- electricity, building and carpentry,
- shoemaking & leatherwork,
- morto vehicle mechanics & welding,
- Sewing machine maintenance,
- Blacksmith & tinsmith, and much more.
Through providing many of these programs the charity is able to support additional projects such as; Supporting women’s and Girls Community Groups and Women and Girls Refuges. Many women and girls have been abandoned or are survivors of gender-based violence. By equipping them and women’s and girls’ groups with sewing machines and the training to use them, it can help them to rebuild their lives.
As you can see TFSRC is an amazing Charity and one we at SI Port Talbot are so proud to support though tool donation and collection drives in our local area. We have collected to date:
- over 4 tons of tools of all types
- 30 kilograms of knitting and sewing materials
- 140 sewing machines
We thoroughly recommend you looking into and follow the important work of Tools For Self-Reliance Cymru to get a more in-depth understanding of their work.
Further information can be found; https://www.tfsrcymru.org.uk/ or you can contact them on 01874 730155 ; or 07929 109334 during open hours (Wed-Fri 10am-2pm; Saturday 10.30am – 12.30pm; Tuesday & Thursday Refurbishing 7.30pm – 9.30pm) or email; contact@tfsrcymru.org.uk please mention us when donating!
And why not sign up for their monthly newsletter Anvil, which highlights the ongoing stories from the people they support as well as upcoming events and projects.