On Monday nearly six tonnes of refurbished tools were shipped from Southampton to Malawi in south-eastern Africa, by the charity Tools for Self Reliance.
The 20ft container holds 6,195 tools packed into 210 kits, restored by more than 250 volunteers across the UK.
Sarah Ingleby, chief executive of Tools for Self Reliance, said: “Every tool we send represents the potential for someone to build a future on their own terms.
The tools will support vocational training and employment opportunities for people living in poverty.
Volunteers at the charity helped load the container and prepare it for its 70-day journey.
The shipment will benefit three partner organisations in Malawi: the Foundation for Education and Social Development (FESODEV), Young Achievers Foundation (YAF), and Youth and Community Development Organisation (YouthCode).
Each group focuses on skills development, vocational training, and empowering disadvantaged communities.
Tools for Self Reliance was founded in 1980 and supports projects in Ghana, Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia.
The charity’s work is made possible by a network of more than 350 volunteers across the UK, who collect, refurbish, and pack tools, and help raise funds and awareness.
The kits include trade, group, and training sets for bricklaying, carpentry, welding, and other trades.
Also included are 41 hand sewing machines, 41 electric sewing machines, 20 bicycles, and an industrial sewing machine.
Those wishing to follow the story or support the charity’s work can visit tfsr.org.
The container will arrive at Nacala Port in Mozambique before travelling by rail to Lilongwe, Malawi.
Tools for Self Reliance focuses on more than just tools, combining practical training with business, financial, and life skills to help individuals build sustainable livelihoods.
The next shipment, planned for later this year, will be sent to Ghana.
