Wensleydale Tools Change Lives

The tools donated by people in Wensleydale have been put into good use in Africa


Wensleydale Tools Change Lives

       Some tools were given as they were surplus to requirement, many were simply "out of date" When Wensleydale Rotarians collected old tools last year many were surprised whether they would be of any use to anyone. But now they have heard of the amazing story of how the tools have changed lives and perhaps saved lives.

       The tools were a mixed bag agricultural, electrical, wood work, electrical there were also many sewing machines. Many were in good condition, some needed renovation. Wensleydale Rotarians inspected each item, cleaned, repaired and packed them. (Rotarian David Milner of Leyburn did most of the work on this)

The boxes left Felixstowe last Easter in a container which made its way round the Horn of Africa, to Mombassa and from there by road to an island in Lake Victoria called Ukerewe. Twenty Rotary volunteers went out there last month and amongst other things took responsibility to distribute the donated tools to deserving people. Team leaders Dr John Philip says: When you travel in Africa, it is not unusual to see crates sent by well meaning people in the West abandoned in stores or offices because nobody knows what to do with them. What is heart breaking is that sometimes donated items get into wrong hands and are sold in local markets. We decided that every single donated item must reach someone who can make use of it to improve his/her earning. We sent out messages to groups of farmers, tailors, carpenters, masons, and plumbers to come and meet with us. We interviewed each group and to the deserving group gave a supply of relevant tools. Sewing machines were given to tailoring groups with the potential of expansion. Each group signed an agreement that the items will not be sold but used for the benefit of the group.

       Rotarian Dr. John Philip, a member of Mirfield Rotary Club, Past District Governor of Rotary International (Yorkshire), and well known to Rotarians in Wensleydale comments. "I have no doubt that the tools will make a difference to the people's lives in this poor community in Tanzania. This is a place where children die because of preventable diseases such as malaria and chest infections. A dose of paracetamol or a course of antibiotics can often save lives but many parents cannot afford to pay for such basic medications. It is tempting to give money but it is not sustainable. Giving tools so that they can increase their earning potential has a sustainable beneficial effect. So, thank you for what you have done. You have changed the lives of many - may be even saved lives.'

But, what we did is only a drop in the ocean. We are still looking for useable tools. Wensleydale Rotary President John Borrill says "People in Wensleydale have been asking if we are looking for more tools for Mwanza, as we are told that more tools would be very welcome, the answer is that we will be launching a new appeal during the coming winter."

       5/8/15 A new batch of tools is being collected for refurbishment and shipment to Africa

David MilnerContact David Milner about this page:

(ALL fields required)

(If you are a Rotarian, please name your club.)

(ALL fields required)

Your email address will not be displayed, once the comment has been approved.

To reduce spam, http:// and www. are not allowed.

Related pages...

Some of the Rotarians

Wensleydale Rotary collect for Ukraine

more Today (Friday 11th) Wensleydale Rotarians hit the streets of Leyburn with specially decorated collection buckets and hats in aid of Ukrainian charities

Shoeboxes with Wendy Morton, Phil Oliver, John Morton and John Borrill

Rotary Shoeboxes filled

more At their business meeting, members of Wensleydale Rotary Club brought 22 Rotary Shoeboxes they had filled, with more to come.

ShelterBox Roadshow visits Leyburn

more The ShelterBox Roadshow visited Leyburn on 23rd May, for two days, at the invitation of the RC of Wensleydale

With the vehicle are from left: Rotarians Chris Wheatley, John Ogbourne, Barry Whitfield, Bob Hughes, David Pointon and Derek Langley

Friends of Govi Press Release

more WENSLEYDALE Rotarians had a chance on Monday to see the vehicle which some of their members will be driving to the Gambia in January, and to hear about the fund raising efforts to help blind children in that country.

Team members with Rotary hosts in Gibraltar

Friends of Govi overland to Gambia

more Rotary Club members are travelling overland to Gambia with Friends of Govi. They are taking equipment to the only school for the blind in Gambia

View of Himalaya mountains from Pokhara

Nepal Schools Computerisation Project

more To enable underprivileged pupils in 2 schools in Nepal to achieve higher educational qualifications, thereby giving them better job and life prospects.

Happy wheel chair users

Collect Yorkshire Tea Barcodes for Wheelchairs

more yorkshire tea

Rotary Team arrives at Nepalese schools

more A team of Rotarians from Yorkshire, including one from Wensleydale, have taken computers to two schools in Nepal.

Round the world cyclists visit Wensleydale

more A couple are cycling round the world in aid of ShelterBox.

Appeal (now closed) for Unwanted Tools for Mwanza, Tanzania

more Appeal now closed, many thanks to the many people who have given tools. Over 700 tools have been received, plus several computers and 10 sewing machines. These items will start their journey to Ukerewe island in Mwanza in early March 2012

Unwanted Books, pens, pencils,games, skipping ropes,toys for The Gambia

more

Pupils report on visit to Amala school in India

more Three ex pupils of Wensleydale School,Jodie & Sam Blackburn and Harry Dinsdale, gave an excellent presentation on their visit to Amala School in India

back to page above this...

International Projects

back Some of the charities we support