Tools For Africa, ( formally Tools For Self - Reliance) has been operating out of the undercroft of the Methodist Church in Southwell for well over 20 years and currently has 10 active volunteers. During that time, we have dispatched over 200 sizable tool kits to projects in Africa via the National organisations we have worked with. In total several thousand old tools have been refurbished by volunteers and saved from landfill. We have been so lucky to have the full support of the Church which means that we have NO running costs and so every penny raised through sales of surplus gardening tools and other items goes to projects abroad and shipping costs. In the last 10 years the group have raised over £25,000 from our Southwell Market stalls and sales at Hoveringham Vintage Rally. A massive thank you to everyone who has helped us in any way. More recently we have begun working with Tools With A Mission, based in Ipswich. They are rapidly expanding their operations and hope to be sending out 25 shipping containers a year very shortly. They take all hand tools as well as quality power ones along with sewing machines. All projects out in Africa include full training both in the use of the tools and how to run a business. This means that thousands of Africans can now earn a living through their own efforts and move their families out of poverty.
We are always keen to encourage anyone who feels that practical mission like this is something they would like to be involved with, to come along and talk to us or join us. We meet every first and third Monday of the month.
Paul Birks, Southwell Tools For Africa Group.