Communities in southern Ethiopia have asked HOPE to help them gain access to clean water. They know that local, safe water means: health will improve; children will be able to attend school regularly; and adults will have more time to pursue economic-related activities which will benefit their future.
In rural Ethiopia, women and children often walk 1-3 hours to collect water. When there is no local water system, people collect water from shallow, unprotected ponds, springs and streams that are often contaminated by the environment or livestock. This means waterborne illnesses are a constant threat to their health and family members are often ill and struggle to work to earn needed money to improve their lives. This is the sad reality for many families in the villages where HOPE is working.
HOPE has worked in this region of Ethiopia for 40 years. HOPE has found that clean water access is a catalyst of great change. We, therefore, work with the community to build a water and sanitation infrastructure, capping a nearby spring and channelling clean water to the village, whilst also building wash and water points so everyone can access clean water locally and safely. HOPE also teaches hygiene education and livelihood skills to ensure everyone can stay healthy and earn needed money.
Having a local water system will allow more time for women in particular to get involved in economic activities. New small businesses will start further to the training made available, providing opportunity for them to earn needed money for their families. Food security will improve. Children will be able to complete their household chores and will regularly get to school in time to learn and obtain a basic education. There will be increasing examples of changed behaviours related to hygiene.
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