Tools for Change Africa, is an inspiring educational program dedicated to collecting and providing new and used tools for youth and adults in rural villages in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

Tools for Change Africa is a non-government organization (NGO) in Burkina Faso and also operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States.

The goal is to encourage both the young and adults to learn occupational skills, in order to remain in, and enrich traditional village life. The availability of tools empower villagers to develop skills which can allow them to excel in life and develop into occupations that provide a sense of accomplishment, and thereby creating a natural balance and well-being.

Once rooted in these endeavors, it is possible to create anything, such as food production, management and healthcare which builds and preserves the communities. The youth will be motivated to remain in the village rather than leaving for the city or going to work in the gold mines.
We are at the early stages now, but ultimately villagers who maintain their culture, such as dance and village history, can pass it down to the next generation.

Well rooted in our family lives, is a deep sense of love, pride and dignity. We care about each individual and see them as a source of power within their families and in the community at large. Whether they be young or old, they contribute to the whole picture, and enrich our world with their values.

Donated tools will be sent via shipping container to rural communities in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

To arrange for pickup or drop off of donated tools, contact:

Pierre Yamleowo Balma (831) 713-9431 or James Vermilyer (831) 245-6088

Village Life

Tools For Change Africa plans to stop the rural exodus of young people; by providing the people with skills and tools to create occupations and better living conditions in their own villages.  This will also prevent the need to work in gold mines or find jobs in big cities. They love many things about their […]

Tools Needed

Needed Tools: Heavy equipment, such as tractors, dump trucks and bobcats to build rain water cathers. Gardening tools Carpentry tools Masonry tools Sewing machines Student needs: Shoes Backpack and other school supplies Bikes Sound system, speakers and instruments for villages training centers and fund raising music events. To preserve our villages and maintain our culture […]

Get Involved

Tools For Change Africa is a non-profit organization that develops ways of collecting tools in the United States of America and to ship them to rural villages in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Operating  as a 501(c)(3) 4234939 nonprofit, Tools for Change Africa is dedicated to collecting and providing new and used tools for youth and […]

Who We Are

Pierre Yamleowo Balma Pierre was born on July 12, 1966 in a village called Zao, Kouplea regtion, Kuritenga province, Burkina Faso in West Africa. In 1967, one Peace Core volunteer came to his village during the severe drought to help the village get clean water, when he was only one years old. Jim Norman Rosellini, […]

Our Mission

Tools For Change Africa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible. Our Federal Tax I.D. No.: 84-2228403. Tools For Change Africa is a public charity focused on humanitarian assistance to villagers in West Africa. We collect and provide new and used tools for youth and adults in villages in Burkina Faso, a country with […]