Another Update from the Field ☕🌍

We're excited to share the second update we received from our partners at charity: water about the clean water project we're helping to sponsor in Ethiopia. Being able to see the continued progress—made possible through our community’s support—is incredibly moving and motivates us to keep making an impact together. Scroll down to read the full report!

Ethiopia
Sidama and Gedeo Zones

Implementing Partner: International Rescue Committee (IRC) Ethiopia
Status: In Progress
Estimated Completion Report: Fall 2024

PROGRESS TO DATE

In the second half of 2022, you generously funded 2 piped system tap stands in Ethiopia. Your gift — along with donations from our global community of supporters — has since been put to work as part of a larger grant reaching people in the Sidama and Gedeo Zones. Below is a report on the progress so far.

Our local partner IRC Ethiopia is hard at work. So far, they have:

• Started constructing 31 on-spot springs at inaccessible sites with local construction materials.
• Facilitated Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Committee (WASHCO) training and water system caretakers training in all four project areas. A total of 179 WASHCOs and 106 sub-committees, comprising a total of 1,213 members, attended the training.
• Provided teacher training in four primary schools, including practical demonstrations and information on child-friendly sanitation and hygiene practices.

FIELD CONDITIONS

charity: water is currently working with IRC Ethiopia to improve water access in the SNNPR and Sidama Regions. In every kebele (sub-district) where IRC Ethiopia works, less than 50% of the population has access to an improved water source. Despite the need, the region is often not prioritized by the government or other NGOs due to its remote location and mountainous terrain. IRC Ethiopia manages these challenges by starting every water project with a detailed assessment of available water sources, focusing on the ones with potential to be developed into a spring protection or piped system.

PARTNER PHOTO

We recently received this progress photo from IRC Ethiopia. We’re excited to share it with you!

When IRC Ethiopia asked Mr. Semuty if they could use his land for a water project that would serve the whole community, he immediately said yes. “My family was fortunate enough to get the land that has this spring,” he shared, “but this is not my water spring; I was just the trustee. I understand that water is life, and I am not in a position to hold back life from my own community.” The IRC team told us that the community’s joy was palpable — joy that is easy to see in this photo of Mr. Semuty!

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Due to the challenging topography of the region, some water points can be especially difficult to reach safely. IRC Ethiopia often works with the community to build stairs to these water points, as sloped paths can become slippery and dangerous during the rainy season — especially for children. IRC Ethiopia contributes cement and handrails for stairs, and the community contributes stones and helps with construction.

In an effort to support the long-term health of the community, IRC Ethiopia supports a process known as Community-Led Total Sanitation and Hygiene. After learning about the dangers of open defecation, all households are encouraged to build latrines and handwashing stations. Neighbors are also encouraged to split the cost of latrine construction, which has led to a dramatic increase in households able to afford the work. IRC Ethiopia monitors progress and offers training every two weeks until Open Defecation Free status is achieved.

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