Tools For Self Reliance Cymru

Tools For Self Reliance Cymru We are a Crickhowell based charity supporting artisans in rural Tanzania. By providing tools, sewing machines and free training, we help families build sustainable livelihoods.
Donations of tools, sewing machines and money are always greatly appreciated.

This enables families to improve their livelihoods in areas where life is challenging. Tools for Self Reliance Cymru, also known as TFSR Cymru, Tools for Africa and Tools 2 Tanzania collect old and unwanted hand tools and sewing machines from all over Wales and further afield. We clean, recondition or repair them and send the tools and kits to grass roots community groups in Tanzania. We are a re

gistered charity, and work towards a more equitable sharing of the world’s resources. We were originally a part of Tools for Self Reliance (based in Netley Marsh), but since 1995 we became a separate charity, working co-operatively and amicably with them and other similar charities who subscribe to the same ethos. We work with three TFSR groups in Wales and on the borders: Clun, Bridgend and Llanelli. We also have a number of tool collectors who can receive donated tools for us in other parts of Wales. TFSR Cymru also part-fund a workshop in Bukumbi, near Mwanza, Tanzania, where we employ six local Tanzanians to refurbish the tools. We also engage a local project officer to organise the distribution to the artisans in the Lake Zone (around Lake Victoria). Additionally we fund training for artisans in a number of disciplines . We welcome tool donations, sewing machines and enthusiastic volunteers! Our Patrons: Sir Paul Silk KCB, Dr.Jane Davidson and Lynne Allbutt in Wales and Mike Laiser in Tanzania. Charity 1055483.

Apologies for the confusion!Hi everyone, we’re sorry for the previous post, which has now been removed. There was a misu...
31/08/2026

Apologies for the confusion!

Hi everyone, we’re sorry for the previous post, which has now been removed. There was a misunderstanding, and we’d like to clarify that we are not holding a tool collection with the Rotary Club this weekend. They are doing a second hand TOY collection on the 5th.

However, if you do have tools or sewing machines that are no longer needed then please bring them along to our workshop Monday to Friday: 9:30am - 3:30pm & Saturday: 10am - 1pm

Give us a call at 0330 355 0122 or visit www.tfsrcymru.org.uk/workshop for more info.

Thanks
All at TFSR Cymru

What a fantastic time we had at Green Man Festival!A huge thank you to everyone who came to see us in the Workshop Zone ...
28/08/2026

What a fantastic time we had at Green Man Festival!

A huge thank you to everyone who came to see us in the Workshop Zone — whether you booked on to one of our workshops, came to learn about tools, made a purchase, or just stopped by for a chat with the crew.

Our blacksmiths were kept busy, all of our workshops were fully booked and there were plenty of lovely handmade pieces to take home! Most importantly, we got to meet so many wonderful people along the way.

We were working hard throughout the festival to raise money for Tanzanian artisans and their communities, and we couldn’t do it without the support of everyone who comes along.

Also a massive thank you to the Green Man organisers for looking after us so well, with much love to Ems and Jody the Craft Zone co-ordinators. And of course a shout out to our brilliant volunteer crew for all their hard work.

We had an incredible time as always.

If you would like to help us with our festival work or any of the smaller community events we attend then drop us an email at [email protected]

Thank you!
All at TFSR



We’ll be at Llangynidr Agricultural Show  on bank holiday Sunday, 30th August 2026!We will have a gazebo selling refurbi...
27/08/2026

We’ll be at Llangynidr Agricultural Show on bank holiday Sunday, 30th August 2026!

We will have a gazebo selling refurbished tools, DIY tools, garden tools, vintage tools and some collectables.

Located within the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park and on the banks of the River Usk, Llangynidr.

Come and have a chat and see what we have on offer. Gates open at 9am - we look forward to seeing you there!

Find out more about the show: www.llangynidrshow.org

Thank you
All at TFSR CYMRU


We’re having a fantastic time here at Green Man Festival, working hard in the Workshop Zone and enjoying meeting so many...
22/08/2026

We’re having a fantastic time here at Green Man Festival, working hard in the Workshop Zone and enjoying meeting so many wonderful people.

Our workshops are now sold out! If you haven’t managed to get onto a workshop, don’t worry — we’d still love to see you at our stall. Come and say hello, have a chat, and find out more about what we do.

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by so far. Funds we raise helps us continue our work in Tanzania, supporting rural communities through tools, training and skills.

We’re looking forward to welcoming many more of you tomorrow for the final day of the festival. Come and find us in the Workshop Zone!

Thank you & have fun
All at TFSR Cymru



It’s that time of year again… Green Man Festival is just days away!We’re getting very excited to be heading back to Gree...
17/08/2026

It’s that time of year again… Green Man Festival is just days away!

We’re getting very excited to be heading back to Green Man Festival this year, bringing our legendary range of quality refurbished tools, along with our ever-popular green woodworking, blacksmith and printing workshops.

Whether you fancy picking up a great tool, learning a new skill, making something unique to take home, or simply having a chat and finding out more about what we do, you’ll find us in the workshop zone.

Join us from 20th to 23rd August, get stuck in and make yourself a proper Green Man souvenir!

Only 3 days to go — we can’t wait to see you there!

All at TFSR Cymru


"I am now fully employed!"Samson Wambura is 34 years old and a resident of Buhongwa area in Mwanza, Tanzania. He is marr...
13/08/2026

"I am now fully employed!"

Samson Wambura is 34 years old and a resident of Buhongwa area in Mwanza, Tanzania. He is married with three children and since 2019 he has been fixing electrical wiring problems in local houses. He didn't have any formal training in electricity but acquired the skills from a friend of his.

Last year, Samson was selected to be among the trainees taking a short course at Kalwande. The training has transformed his life.

"Four years ago my relative linked me with Tanesco (an organisation supplying electricity in Tanzania) and they occasionally hired me to carry out some simple field work. I did not have any formal documents indicating my skills so I was only working as a temporary staff. The certificate I got from Kalwande performed wonders to me. I presented it to my immediate boss and based on that I am now employed as a full time Tanesco staff!

I now have a permanent job, and in a big and reputable government institution. Thank you for this training opportunity which did not only give me a good certificate but it has also added more skills on what I had before." - Samson

If you'd like to donate tools or equipment and help transform lives like Samson's, we're currently filling Container 24. To donate, please get in touch: tfsrcymru.org.uk/contact/

Thank you
All at TFSR Cymru


Come and see us at Crafty Legs Market this Sunday!This Sunday, August 16th, we will have a stall at Crafty Legs Events a...
10/08/2026

Come and see us at Crafty Legs Market this Sunday!

This Sunday, August 16th, we will have a stall at Crafty Legs Events at the very lovely Insole Court, Fairwater Road, Llandaff, Cardiff. CF5 2LN.

Crafty Legs promotes all things craft related and there you will find local artisans showcasing their skills and wares.

We will be selling our selection of refurbished craft, DIY and gardening tools, including some lovely vintage tools and collectables.

Please pop along, support the event, meet our very knowledgeable and friendly crew and have a browse and a chat. You may find a hidden gem of a tool that will make your day.

As ever, all proceeds go towards our non-profit charity and help us support artisans in rural Tanzania. It’s also a great opportunity to find out more about our work and how you can get involved — whether by donating tools or volunteering with us.

Thank you and have fun at Insole!
All at TFSR Cymru

Event page: insolecourt.org/event/crafty-legs-craft-markets-2026/2026-08-16/


Saidi was born in 1962 and lives in Tanzania with his family. He is married and has two sons and one daughter. His worki...
04/08/2026

Saidi was born in 1962 and lives in Tanzania with his family. He is married and has two sons and one daughter. His working life has always been focused on practical skills and helping communities.

For almost 20 years, Saidi has worked as Workshop Manager at the Tools for Self Reliance Cymru depot at Kalwande Vocational College in rural northern Tanzania, helping people build better futures through practical skills and access to tools.

Reflecting on his work, Saidi says:

"I am very happy for what I am doing and I love my job because it helps people direct, especially youths, to make their life easier and to avoid poverty somehow."

When containers of donated tools arrive from the UK, Saidi sees the impact first-hand.

"When the containers of tools arrive, people are very, very happy, especially youths who have skills but no tools. There are plenty of them and the demand is big."

For many young people, having access to good-quality tools can be the difference between remaining unemployed and starting a trade, earning an income and supporting their families.

If you would like to help us fill our next container, visit tfsrcymru.org.uk/contact to find out how to donate tools.

Thank you
All at TFSR CYMRU

We are heading to Green Gathering tomorrow! Be sure to stop by the TFSR CYMRU stall and say hello. Whether you're intere...
29/07/2026

We are heading to Green Gathering tomorrow! Be sure to stop by the TFSR CYMRU stall and say hello. Whether you're interested in buying refurbished tools, sustainability, volunteering, or simply want to have a chat, we'd love to meet you.

We'll be there from Thursday 30th July to Sunday 2nd August.

For more information about the festival, visit greengathering.org.uk

See you there!

All at TFSR CYMRU

THANK YOU to everyone who has visited our stalls at the recent events we've attended so far.Whether you stopped by for a...
27/07/2026

THANK YOU to everyone who has visited our stalls at the recent events we've attended so far.

Whether you stopped by for a chat, had a browse, or made a purchase, we appreciate you taking the time to visit us. Your contributions help us continue working with artisans in rural Tanzania and support our ongoing projects.

Next stop: Green Gathering Festival

If you're heading to Green Gathering on Thursday 30th July, we'd love for you to come and say hello! Visit our stall, learn more about our work, and find out how you can be part of what we do.

We’ll be there from Thursday 30th July to Sunday 2nd August.

For more info visit: greengathering.org.uk

See you there!

All at TFSR CYMRU

Address

The Tools Workshop, Upper House Farm, Standard St
Crickhowell
NP81BZ

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Saturday 10am - 1pm

Telephone

+441873810675

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