Tools For Solidarity

In the age of consumerism repairing is an act of rebellion
🛠 Collecting tools and sewing machines since 1984 to repair them and help Africa communities
🌍 Education for sustainability in schools and community groups
Based in Northern Ireland, UK “Tools are very much an enabler when it comes to development and throughout poorer countries there remains a high demand for them.”

Tools For Solidarity (

TFS) is a small development Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. Our organisation grew out of the Belfast Tools Group, which was established in 1984 by dedicated volunteers. We opened our workshops in Belfast in 1994 and in Downpatrick in 2002. Volunteer placements are provided in our workshops, particularly to people with fewer opportunities and/or extra support needs. We also raise awareness and organise workshops and work camps on sustainable development. TFS collects unused and unwanted tools and machinery, repairs them and sends them out for reuse overseas. We have a large stock of high-quality tools and machines that people across the country have donated to us! TFS has been working in Tanzania and Uganda for over 20 years with the main focus on an integrated development model to support vulnerable people. We coordinate sending programmes with other sister organisations and send over 3, 000 sewing machines and 30, 000 tools. We successfully established partnerships in Africa and now these projects are self-funded and provide training to local people.