FORGING LINKS - SUMMER 2016

This edition of Forging Links is dedicated to the memory of Tools for Self Reliance founder, Glyn Roberts, who sadly died on 6th April 2016.

Glyn founded the organisation in 1978, after spending time travelling and volunteering across Africa and Asia. During a visit to Uganda, he saw people struggling to train with poor quality, worn out tools. His idea – to collect and refurbish tools in the UK, and send them to the poorest communities in Africa – was the beginning of Tools for Self Reliance. Here, Eddie Grimble, Honourable Secretary, shares his own tribute to Glyn.

I first met Glyn 38 years ago, just after he had authored “Questioning Development,” out of which Tools for Self Reliance grew, as one of his ways of showing how overseas aid could be more effectively carried out with integrity and solidarity.

Glyn stepped down from active involvement in Tools for Self Reliance in 1996 but remained a dedicated supporter and advocate. Glyn didn’t feel that as Founder he should keep a hand on the tiller and it is real testament that he was prepared to step back and trust others to take on and direct the

work. He also inspired others in both the UK and other countries to develop their own style of tool sending and set up their own organisations.

Glyn had many other interests and talents - he traversed the Atlantic several times, sometimes single-handedly, could turn his poetic talents to song composition, and entertained many by playing the violin and the ukulele. His passion for wood carving grew to include stone carving after he moved to the Isle of Wight. There are a number of his pieces on display on the island which retell stories bound to be forgotten were it not for his sleuthing work and delight in telling a story.

What so many folk will remember Glyn for though, is that he was a man with a real heart for justice and fairness in an unjust and unequal world. He will be missed by many, but very fondly remembered.

IN THIS ISSUE• Glyn Roberts 1938 - 2016

• Looking to the future in Zambia

• Farewell – and welcome!

• Forging links with Rotary Clubs

• Ghana shipment arrives

• Getting kitted out!

• Marathon effort

• Cutting appeal

• Get crafty

• A legacy for the future

GLYN ROBERTS 1938 – 2016

FORGING LINKS

ISSUEONE

Since the last edition of Forging Links, we have said goodbye to Jakob, Johannes and Daniel who were with us for 12 months as part of their EVS (European Voluntary Service). We wish them all the very best in the next chapter of their lives.

We have also welcomed Andi and Andreas, both from Austria, and Anne Maj, from Denmark, as new volunteers under the EVS programme. They have completed their inductions, travelled around the UK, and built up friendships with our volunteers, who have been keen to share with them British culture and customs. These include the time honoured tradition of the mid morning tea break, an event Andi’s mother described as a “tea celebration!”

EVS provides the opportunity for young people to improve their skills, enhance their employability and increase their knowledge of other cultures. If you’re interested in finding out more information, or you know someone who may be interested in volunteering through EVS, please visit britishcouncil.org or contact Jo Shannon: jo@tfsr.org

Clara is one of three women who have formed a tailoring business after taking part in a 12 month training programme with Tools for Self Reliance and Eliashib Women’s Centre, a Zambian organisation which works to address women’s disempowerment and vulnerability.

As well as learning to design and make items, 40 participants took part in sessions on business and financial management, life skills and health awareness in year one of the project, with another 40 now training in year two.

Sarah Ingleby, Chief Executive, and Karen Mallik, Trustee, recently visited the project to find out more about the experiences of participants – the feedback was overwhelmingly positive,

with the majority of trainees now actively running their own businesses. As well as planning for the future, Clara

and her business partners Christine and Maureen are able to buy more food for their families and pay school fees.

The training has made a huge difference to their lives, and they are looking forward to growing their business for years to come.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE IN ZAMBIA

FAREWELL – AND WELCOME!

In five years time, I will be a powerful business woman – with my farming and a shop for our tailoring business.

GETTING KITTED OUT!

We were delighted to attend the ‘Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland’ conference in Bournemouth recently.

It was a great opportunity to catch up with Rotary Clubs who have supported us in the past, and to speak to Clubs who wanted more information about how we work in the UK and the projects in Africa – as well as potential partners for future activities.

Rotary Clubs provide significant support to Tools for Self Reliance and groups both locally and nationally. If you are part of a Tools for Self Reliance group and would like any information about how Rotary can support you, or if you would like help finding out where your local club is, please contact Jo on 023 8086 9697 or jo@tfsr.org

FORGING LINKS WITH ROTARY CLUBS

Tools for Self Reliance were delighted to be contacted by Gary at Adams Morey Redbridge, who has links with Southampton Football Club, with the offer of some club merchandise for overseas projects, including football shirts and shorts, stationary, and activity sets.

Chief Executive Sarah Ingleby and trustee Karen Mallik took 160 football shirts to Zambia on their recent evaluation visit. Trainees at three of the projects: Eliashib Women’s Centre; COP (Chichetekelo Outreach Partners); and KEVTC (Kabushi Entrepreneurship and Vocational Training Centre) were very pleased to receive them and told Sarah that fellow Zambian, Emanuel Mayuka had played for Southampton a few years ago!

Some of the items will be shared with two other organisations working overseas – a big thank you to Harris Transport, who helped with storage, and to WILTS for their offer of support with transport.

FORGING LINKS - SUMMER 2016

GHANA SHIPMENT ARRIVES

A recent shipment to Ghana has now arrived safely – a grand total of 155 kits made up of 3655 individual tools arrived in a container.

They were quickly distributed to five organisations across the country, including Street Girls Aid (SGA), who work in the capital Accra and will be providing training to 15 young women from the street communities of the city engaged in unskilled low paid roles such as kayaye, or head portering. Sleeping on the streets at night makes them vulnerable to exploitation - many of these young women have small children and SGA will provide a day care centre to ensure that they can take part in learning while their children are safe and cared for.

Across all the projects in Ghana, a total of 291 men and women will be trained in trades such as tailoring, bicycle repair, and carpentry over the next year – and provided with tools to set themselves up in business when they graduate. We look forward to reporting on their progress!

GHANA SHIPMENT ARRIVES

MARATHON EFFORT

CUTTING APPEAL

GET CRAFTY

A LEGACY FOR THE FUTURE

We urgently need scissors for tailoring training projects – they will be used for cutting fabric on a daily basis by trainees in Africa, so need to be of good quality, and ideally medium sized. Please contact us if you can help!

We hold a monthly craft class at Netley Marsh – for just £10 per person you could take part in sessions such as broomstick crochet, cross stitch, and fabric minis. Pre booking is essential, for a list of upcoming dates and to reserve your place, please call us on 023 8086 9697

A gift in your will is one of the most valuable and lasting ways to support a cause you care about for many years to come. By leaving a gift, you could ensure that Tools for Self Reliance continues to help generations of people overcome poverty through building a sustainable livelihood. If you would like more information, please contact Jemma on 023 8086 9697 or jemma@tfsr.org

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Andrew Hanson, who completed the 2016 London Marathon in a fantastic time of 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 46 seconds – within his target time of 3.5 hours!

Andrew also surpassed his fundraising target of £1500, with almost £4,000 raised at the time of writing. Andrew’s father, John, is a volunteer with our Bridgend group, so he knows first hand how important our work is – these funds will be used to enable us to continue providing training and tools, and are very much appreciated – thank you again Andrew!

If you would like to take on a challenge of your own, we have spaces available in the Prudential RideLondon event – a 100 mile ride through the stunning countryside, following a route made famous by the world’s best cyclists at the 2012 Olympics. For more information, please contact Nuisha Russo at nuisha@tfsr.org

DONATE TODAY!

Whether you want to make a one-off donation to help our cause, or

give regularly, we would love to receive your help.

You can make a donation in a number of ways to support our work. You can donate by post, over the phone or online using one of our services such as

JustGiving, Charities Aid Foundation, PayPal or CAF.

There are so many reasons to donate, you could give in memory of a loved

one, leave a lasting legacy or just for the feeling you have done you part to help

other lives in Africa.

For more information on donating today, visit: www.tfsr.org and click ‘Donate’

Registered charity number 280437. Company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales No 01487630

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