The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2015
Empowering young people in Africa through vocational training
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.
We do this by refurbishing donated tools to a high standard and shipping them to training centres and self-help organisations.
By donating money, you help empower young people in Africa to gain skills through vocational training. It is easy to make a financial donation by paying online or via the post.
Donating your unwanted tools and equipment can change lives as well as having a positive impact on the environment. Every year over 80 tonnes of tools are saved from landfill and refurbished.
We always welcome new volunteers to join our friendly team at our workshop in Chesham. There are lots of opportunities available and full training is provided for all.
Since Our Foundation In 1986, Over 190,000 Lives Have Been CHANGED
Our Achievements So Far
Our Impact
We work with like-minded organisations and place great value on ensuring these partnerships achieve maximum impact for young people in Africa. We are currently developing new comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems with all our overseas partners.
These will place emphasis on measuring how young people use the vocational skills they learn to escape poverty and drive positive and sustainable development in the communities in which they live.
Since Our Foundation
Stories
Meet Deborah and Roy
Deborah, 'Mama Workaid'
Deborah’s father passed away when she was a baby, as did her mother a few years later. She was raised by her aunty who she refers to as her mother. Deborah was only able to complete her formal education at primary level, which is common in Zambia.
Keep reading Deborah’s story here.
Roy, Sewing Machine Maintenance Instructor
Roy is a Zimbabwean national who operates a small sewing machine repair shop in Lusaka, Zambia with two other technicians. He completed a diploma in sewing machine repair and maintenance in Harare, Zimbabwe, where the course is highly regarded.
Keep reading Roy’s story here.
Jesca, Albert Valley
Meet Jesca, aged 20 from Murambi Village in Ntoroko District. Despite facing challenges and dropping out of school during Senior 4, Jesca joined a tailoring class at Albert Valley Vocational Training Institute. She found it to be a practical choice and an effective way to earn an income.
Keep reading Jesca’s Story here.
Moris, Empathy Foundation
As a subsistence farmer, Moris only made ends meet before joining and graduating from the Empathy Foundation in March 2023. Moris, now a skilled carpenter, is part of a 5-person business. Even though he dropped out of school early, he’s determined to make a better life for his family – a wife and three children.
Keep reading Moris’s Story here.
Recent News
News From Africa
Aziz, Albert Valley Institute of Vocational Studies
Aziz’s hard work and generosity shows how small businesses can make a big difference for everyone involved.
Container Peter 1996 heading to Zambia
Container Peter 1996, named after Penny (a volunteer) has left for Zambia filled with over 800 boxes of tools and kits.
Container Joyce is heading to Kalwande, Tanzania
In tribute to his wonderful wife of 27 years, who recently passed away, Norman has named our next container Joyce.
Deborah also known as Mama Workaid
Deborah’s father passed away when she was a baby, as did her mother a few years later. She was raised by her aunty who she refers to as