Workaid

Call Directions Website

We do this by refurbishing donated tools to a high standard and shipping them to training centres and self-help organisations.

We are a charity empowering young people in Africa (and the UK) to help themselves by developing the skills and knowledge needed to find gainful employment or start their own business. We are a charity based in Chesham, Buckinghamshire empowering young people in Africa (and the UK) to help themselves by developing the skills and knowledge needed to find gainful employment or start their own business. In 2015 we received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. To get involved you can volunteer, donate your tools or give a virtual gift to change a life.

14/10/2026

This morning we waved off another container👋 'May contain nuts (& bolts)' was named by one of our shop regulars as part of a competition to celebrate our 40th anniversary as a charity.

Packed with 830 boxes of tools and equipment, it has now begun its journey to Tanzania. 🚛

Thank you once again to everyone who entered the competition, and to all our supporters who make our mission possible: giving people the tools, skills and opportunities they need to build sustainable livelihoods and create brighter futures for themselves, their families and their communities.

Read this story 👉 workaid.org/may-contain-nuts-and-bolts

09/10/2026

We are pleased to share that Container Cassidy arrived safely in Zambia! 📢 The container is currently being offloaded, and its contents are being distributed to primary and secondary schools, skills training centres and other projects we support. 🚛

In this container are 136 sewing and knitting machines and 615 boxes of tools and equipment, containing everything from a bag of haberdashery to a welding machine.

If you have tools to donate please visit our website at workaid.org/donate-tools to find out what we can accept 🛠️

By giving your unwanted tools and equipment you help empower young people through vocational training as well as have a positive impact on the environment.

29/09/2026

Help save garden tools from landfill by giving them a second life! 📢🌱

We’re looking for volunteers to help refurbish and restore donated garden hand tools, everything from spades and forks to trowels and more.

By repairing and reusing tools, we’re keeping valuable resources in use and out of landfill. Once restored, they’re sold in our shop to raise vital funds for our work in Africa, helping young people build sustainable livelihoods and brighter futures.

No experience? No problem. Whether you’re handy with tools or keen to learn something new, we want to hear from you.

Register your interest today at 👉 workaid.org/volunteer

24/09/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported our recent Forecourt Sale! We had a fantastic day, and it was wonderful to see so many of you there.

Our volunteers put a lot of time and effort into these events, refurbishing, sorting and organising donated items ready for sale, so it’s always wonderful to see their hard work rewarded by such fantastic support.

Every purchase helps us empower young people in Africa through vocational training and tools, equipping them with the skills to earn a living and build a brighter future.

If you love all things tools, equipment, haberdashery, horticulture, sewing machines and vintage treasures but missed the sale, don’t worry – there’s still plenty to discover. The Workaid Shop is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am–4pm, so come along, have a browse and see what you can find. 🛠️

👉 workaid.org/the-workaid-shop

02/09/2026

If you have tools you no longer need, consider giving them a second life by donating them to us 🛠️

We refurbish, pack and ship tools and equipment to vocational training centres and schools in Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda. Alongside hands-on training, these tools help provide graduates with opportunities to generate an income, develop practical livelihoods and, in many cases, start their own small businesses.

Tools that aren’t suitable for our projects in Africa are sold in our shop to raise vital funds.

📅 Donations are accepted: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30am -12:30pm & 1:30pm - 4pm
📍 The Old Boot Factory, 71 Townsend Road, Chesham, HP5 2AA
Visit 👉 workaid.org/donate-tools for more info

What may be collecting dust in your garage could be the start of someone else’s future! 🌱

26/08/2026

With just over TWO WEEKS to go until our forecourt sale, preparations are well underway! There’s plenty happening behind the scenes as the team works hard to get everything sorted for the event.

⏰ Come and join us from 10am until 2pm on Saturday 12th September for a fantastic day and grab yourself a bargain!

📍 71 Townsend Road, Chesham, HP5 2AA
🔗 workaid.org/forecourt-sale

Proceeds from our Forecourt Sale raise vital funds to support our work in Africa.

21/08/2026

Together with the Vwila Foundation, we contracted local artisan David Kapaipi to fabricate the roof for the new sewing machine service centre in Lusaka, Zambia.

Some of you might remember David from previous posts. He studied woodwork and metal fabrication before establishing a small furniture-making business, which he later expanded into designing and installing innovative metal-frame buildings and roofs.

Now, two shipping containers have been converted into a workspace, the roof is installed, the electrics are in place, and the centre is up and running. Here, sewing machines will be repaired and restored, ready to be put back into use.

Emmanuel Zulu, Director of the Vwila Foundation, says: "We thank all the supporters who made it possible for the centre to be constructed."

Read more about David's journey 👉 workaid.org/david-kapaipi

19/08/2026

Take a look at this video about Workaid made by Trend Tool Technology 👉

This video was kindly put together by the team at Trend Tool Technology to showcase who we are, what goes on behind the scenes, and how our work helps young people in Africa build sustainable livelihoods. Thank you to everyone at Trend who brought this video together 🛠

12/08/2026

This International Youth Day, we’re celebrating the potential, creativity and determination of young people across Africa.

We believe practical skills can create opportunities that last a lifetime. By giving donated tools and equipment a new purpose, we support vocational training and skills development in communities where resources are limited.

We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone who has enrolled in, is currently completing or has graduated from one of the vocational training courses across Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania. The motivation and effort you put into developing your skills and becoming self-sufficient is truly inspiring.

Happy International Youth Day!

Address

The Old Boot Factory, 71 Townsend Road
Chesham
HP52AA

Telephone

+441494775220

Website

https://workaid.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Workaid posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organisation to be the top-listed non profit organisation in Chesham?