<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Tools with a Mission]]></title><description><![CDATA[We collect unwanted useable tools, refurbish them, pack them into trade tool kits, and send them to skills training centres in Africa.]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/our-blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 17:32:00 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.twam.co.uk/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Protecting and Promoting the Welfare of Women]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Women’s Organisation for Development and Environment Protection (WODEP) is a remarkable, woman-led initiative based in Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi. This is their story.]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/protecting-and-promoting-the-welfare-of-women</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8d5875d573a92051ba4e5b</guid><category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:13:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_eddc01cda31b4f66b3efb5efac8395b6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Richard's Story: Building a Future]]></title><description><![CDATA[During a recent visit to Zambia, we saw tools in action through the work of the Samfya District Development Team; there, we met people such as Richard, whose lives and businesses have benefited from the tools they have received.]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/richard-s-story-building-a-future</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8589eaa6645c6ec0bd8040</guid><category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:28:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_9cf12711453c45dbbc4d2ac855931a46~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Shared Achievement: Celebrating a Commonwealth Environmental Award]]></title><description><![CDATA[TWAM has been awarded a Silver Commonwealth Environment &#38; Corporate Social Responsibility Award in the category of Best Environmental Improvement, recognising our ongoing commitment to giving unwanted tools a second life and creating sustainable livelihoods around the world.]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/a-shared-achievement-celebrating-a-commonwealth-environmental-award</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a731ac25d7bc426a549c8ab</guid><category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category><category><![CDATA[UK]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:01:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_e62f7c80e34c4773b0d0dcb290af5d88~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jeff Musonko: From No Hope to New Purpose]]></title><description><![CDATA[Last year, TWAM sent 2,232 electric sewing machines to Africa, providing much-needed equipment for trainee tailors and those seeking to learn a new skill. Today, we introduce you to one of them!]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/jeff-musonko-from-no-hope-to-new-purpose</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4ccc78c3c0f355ae43d323</guid><category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:39:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_99af8b0f538a47d7992d98c1099ac714~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA["I can now stand on my feet": Choma's Story of Faith and Recovery]]></title><description><![CDATA[When TWAM visited their tool recipients at the Faith Orphanage in Kitwe, Zambia, we met a young woman whose determination and compassion left a lasting impression on us. This is the story of Choma.]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/i-can-now-stand-on-my-feet-choma-s-story-of-faith-and-recovery</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a329b2f73364b8eee6c4ca7</guid><category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:36:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_16e62c4d32a44bf286e839d0e68c842d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA["If you put the work in, you will see the reward."]]></title><description><![CDATA[Charity is from the Fly Deaf Inclusive training programme in Lusaka, Zambia. There, deaf people across the local area are supported through skills learning, gaining confidence and a path to independence. This is her testimony!]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/if-you-put-the-work-in-you-will-see-the-reward</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a2917132e33a1d327f538d4</guid><category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:55:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_f07af6ea026949c0b2b16990495d3a98~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From Shy Student to Aspiring Designer: Vanessa's Story]]></title><description><![CDATA[Vanessa is one of many young women who has discovered a new livelihood on TWAM tools, thanks to training at Mindset Education - our Ugandan partners. This is her story!]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/from-shy-student-to-aspiring-designer-vanessa-s-story</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a26970c7af0f7335697c28a</guid><category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:07:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_5f55d362f2274d638bfa5997df1df264~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Building relationships at TWAM Penarth]]></title><description><![CDATA[We hope you will enjoy this snapshot into our UK mission, from one of our hardworking collectors. Andrew, who is based in Penarth just south of Cardiff in Wales, has written us the following short article, expressing hope for TWAM's continued growth in Wales...]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/building-relationships-at-twam-penarth</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a705c7686f0e042b4f0483</guid><category><![CDATA[UK]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:52:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_e8cad722830d4358a25f099bc31b16d3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Marking the 1,000th TWAM carpentry kit from Rugby]]></title><description><![CDATA[TWAM has this week reached a significant milestone: the preparation of the 1,000th carpentry toolkit from the Rugby warehouse since operations began at this site in 2022. We hear from volunteers Peter, Malcolm, and Ian - who have worked consistently to assemble these kits. The Rugby carpentry kit packing team. From L-R: Peter (former Uganda country coordinator), Malcolm, and Ian (former Manager of TWAM's former Coventry warehouse) Carpenter's kits are one of TWAM's most requested toolkits. A...]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/marking-the-1-000th-twam-carpentry-kit-from-rugby</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6977454d6e1e6fddb818bc25</guid><category><![CDATA[UK]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:33:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_3d0695ba9b744f3d9715142fb38048b5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gifts for the Journey – a Christmas Reflection]]></title><description><![CDATA[Written by Hugh Priestner, TWAM Volunteer 'Do you remember the little books by Roger Hargeaves? His most famous collection was The Mister Men. But I remember one called Roundies and Squaries. And the best page of all proclaimed: Roundies count their blessings; Squaries count their money! There is no time quite like Christmas for reminding us to count our blessings. So how might we go about that? Our time is a great gift and so are the resources we have been given. We will be planning where we...]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/gifts-for-the-journey-a-christmas-reflection</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6941491d7aecebf9ca3cc4c6</guid><category><![CDATA[UK]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:14:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_761779c05f2b4040b0c80a43f7c3d713~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[TWAM has 'Excellence in Vocational Empowerment'!]]></title><description><![CDATA[We’re excited to share some wonderful and unexpected news! TWAM has been honoured with the Excellence In Vocational Empowerment Award, from the West Nile Quality Brand Awards in Uganda. This astonishing award truly belongs to everyone who supports, donates, volunteers at, and believes in our mission. We’re humbled and deeply grateful. We’ll keep striving to live up to this recognition! Below is what the award committee shared about this recognition: "Dear TWAM Team, Warm greetings from the...]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/twam-has-excellence-in-vocational-empowerment</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6940232624d4646829c94f74</guid><category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:19:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_6d9b207aca5e48fbb6b0b676cf0aa579~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Christmas Message of Thanks]]></title><description><![CDATA[The indomitable Steven, one of our volunteers who refurbishes tools at home, has shared a major milestone about his work this year. "Well," he writes, "I have just finished wrapping my restored vintage sewing machines for 2025. These will be collected early in January 2026." "I believe that, through great teamwork, TWAM has a system in place which has now allowed me, as a home worker, to restore around around 50 machines in 2025." Just one of fifty sewing machines Steven has carefully,...]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/a-christmas-message-of-thanks</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6932e85504019cd6c2c8c194</guid><category><![CDATA[UK]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:47:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_0cea62defc4b4023bd212f1d2909b376~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Life for Old Tools in Sheffield]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sheffield Tools For Africa ( https://st4a.org.uk/ ) are one of our partners and local hubs. The wonderful people at ST4A support TWAM by collecting and refurbishing tools for us, which we then organise and send to Africa. Chris, one of the team at ST4A, got in touch to tell us about how someone was able to support both their work and TWAM's mission: " A huge THANK YOU to Rotary Club member Richard for allowing Sheffield Tools For Africa  the free use of his garage to store tools ready to...]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/new-life-for-old-tools-in-sheffield</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692d78612bc8fd382e701408</guid><category><![CDATA[UK]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:25:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_b2a54f984f8048c7a12627b6cfc08c1d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Local Impact @ Machine Knit Community]]></title><description><![CDATA[We have partnered with the wonderful Machine Knit Community, who are raising funds for our mission. You can support their JustGiving initiative for TWAM here https://www.justgiving.com/page/mkc-twam MKC is a friendly, supportive community for machine knitters from around the world. They are sponsoring our work, supporting the 189 knitting machines refurbished and sent by TWAM so far in 2025. More info about MKC and the amazing work of Nic, Steve, and everyone there is on their website at...]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/local-impact-machine-knit-community</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6925cdec164262f22a66d9c9</guid><category><![CDATA[UK]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:01:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_057b42e60b294703b12d78a256ae6e70~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Local Impact @ The Dusty Shed ]]></title><description><![CDATA[We are delighted to partner with The Dusty Shed, who have supported us and our mission since March 2024. Part of the 'Men in Sheds' community movement, The Dusty Shed provides a safe place for men (predominantly older gentlemen) to get involved in their local community through craftwork. So far, they have made eight kind donations of tools to TWAM. George, Development Officer at The Dusty Shed, kindly wrote an article to celebrate their partnership with us, which reads: ' Since March 2024,...]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/local-impact-the-dusty-shed</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6925c7f6933da9c9fc5cb255</guid><category><![CDATA[UK]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:35:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_5768d873b4be43a1a690122d133a2246~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_750,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Working in Wood - the Power of a Carpentry Kit]]></title><description><![CDATA[In October, TWAM Ipswich celebrated its 500th carpentry kit sent so far in 2025 - a major milestone! And this snapshot from Zambia tells of the impact just one carpentry kit can have... The carpentry worksite at Mentra Youth, a place where futures are built... It may seem ramshackle, but the carpentry worksite at Mentra Youth training facility in Zambia is a hive of activity. And it lies at the heart of a mission that goes beyond its wooden posts and corrugated iron roof. TWAM tool recipients...]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/working-in-wood-the-power-of-a-carpentry-kit</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69088f0fe75c8b903c5b99f3</guid><category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:46:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_abec2eabe89d4bcc9877eaa3d5581b2e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Man Named Wayne - The Beginning of a Sewing Machine's Journey]]></title><description><![CDATA[We often read the stories of people who receive sewing machines in Africa and how it has changed their lives. But where does the journey begin? This is the story of Wayne from King's Lynn in Norfolk, England. He has donated so far about 60 sewing machines to TWAM, and he is still going strong! Wayne (right) with TWAM collector Don and a newly refurbished sewing machine! When TWAM first met Wayne in June, 2023, he refurbished sewing machines as a hobby - and had about 18 machines in his home....]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/a-man-named-wayne-the-beginning-of-a-sewing-machine-s-journey</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68dba6748536c184dc71659f</guid><category><![CDATA[UK]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:24:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_cae761cb41734f528ee8454ccb9fe2e0~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Story of Tools - the Nyangombe Christian Training Centre]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the heart of Zambia, the Nyangombe CTC exists to provide a safe refuge for individuals keen to start a new career or find a way out of...]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/a-story-of-tools-the-nyangombe-christian-training-centre</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68bebaaa09639d8ab140291b</guid><category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:46:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_0e0e22f954444ec2948117f2e2273fa6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From E-Waste to Empowerment - A Local Partnership]]></title><description><![CDATA[There’s something truly special about giving old tech a second life — especially when that life is spent transforming communities....]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/from-e-waste-to-empowerment-a-local-partnership</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68b5a422b4f7fa41b81b4484</guid><category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category><category><![CDATA[UK]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:25:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_1f05040b8abe40399fcfc78d2047df22~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_992,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Medals And Memories - A Story Of Family]]></title><description><![CDATA[Paul, one of our volunteers in Ipswich, assists with fundraising by collecting and selling old buttons, coins, militaria, stamps, and...]]></description><link>https://www.twam.uk/post/medals-and-memories-a-story-of-family</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6728e4df9bb21c3d15ffde7d</guid><category><![CDATA[UK]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:19:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/146a67_9730bf1e649746dab052a769286a4e6f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tim Laczko</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>