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 highly specific yet versatile kit, each one supports skills training, employment, and community development overseas.

Suitably, a 1,000th toolkit is a limited-edition milestone kit and will be included in Rugby’s first shipping container of tools of 2026 - to Uganda. The container, scheduled to depart in February, has been named Container Donald Gray in recognition of long-standing support for the programme.

This achievement reflects the commitment of volunteers including Peter, Malcolm, Ian, and the wider team, whose time and expertise make the work possible.

A collective effort

The Rugby milestone builds on many years of work elsewhere. Ian has highlighted the continued contribution of the TWAM Kenilworth local group, who refurbish donated carpentry tools to help complete the kits.

Furthermore, prior to relocating operations to Rugby, more than 2,500 carpentry toolkits were produced while the charity was based in Coventry.

Combined with the 1,000 kits now shipped from Rugby, this brings the total number of carpentry toolkits completed by TWAM in the UK Midlands to over 3,500.

Neatly packed and ready to be sent to Uganda!

What the Carpentry Toolkit Contains

Each carpentry toolkit is carefully assembled to provide a solid foundation for practical woodworking and training. While contents can vary slightly depending on availability and local needs, a typical kit includes:

• Hand saws for general cutting

• Hammers for assembly and dismantling

• Chisels in multiple sizes for shaping and joint work

• Planes for smoothing and finishing timber

• Measuring and marking tools such as a steel tape measure, squares, and spirit levels

• Screwdrivers and pincers for fixings and adjustments

• Files and abrasive paper for finishing edges

• Basic carpentry power tools

  
  

All tools are checked, refurbished where necessary, and packed to ensure they are functional and durable. The emphasis is on reliability, ease of maintenance, and suitability for training environments and small workshops.

How the tools are used

Once delivered, the carpentry kit supports a range of practical outcomes:

• Small woodworking start-ups use the tools to begin income-generating activities

• Unemployed young men or women gain access to trade skills and vocational training

• Rural training centres use the kits to build, repair, and expand facilities

  
  

By equipping individuals and institutions with essential tools, the programme supports long-term self-reliance rather than short-term aid - which is, of course, what TWAM is all about!

A special milestone of a kit!

None of this work happens without our volunteers. From refurbishing tools and packing kits to organising logistics and shipping, volunteers transform donated tools into practical opportunities for learning, employment, and community development.

Their collective effort turns boxes of tools from the UK into futures built on dignity, stability, and sustainability, and continues to make milestones like this one possible.