Project 20: Well of Hope - Ethiopia

Rain, hail or shine, the people of Gola Chefe were walking two hours a day to access safe drinking water. In collaboration with Lifewater, we dug a well in Gola Chefe to provide clean water access all year round, new hope, and a transformation to this remote community.

The village of Gola Chefe in Ethiopia does not have a source of clean drinking water. They are part of an estimated 62 million people who lack access to safe water in Ethiopia. Pure water does not flow through pipes in their homes or streams from fountains in their schools. For the people of Gola Chefe, water is a resource that must be obtained through significant effort.

The hardship in acquiring water affects the people of Gola Chefe tremendously, touching all aspects of their lives, including home, work, and school. The mothers and children of Gola Chefe reported walking up to 2 hours one way for safe drinking water and using pond water to wash clothes and for other non-food preparation tasks.

Millions drink contaminated water that leads to acute diarrhoea, among other diseases, and, in some cases, death. But, Lifewater is working hard going village by village to create a safe, clean environment through sanitation, hygiene, and clean water.

According to Lifewater, "Safe water alone can't prevent water-related illnesses; a complete WASH (water access, sanitation, hygiene) strategy is critical for creating lasting change. Simple things like having a handwashing station can cut down the risk of water-related illnesses for every child."

In partnership with Lifewater International, an organization dedicated to ending the global water and sanitation crisis, we plan to dig a well in Gola Chefe and provide clean water, new hope, and transformation to this 300 plus community. You now have the opportunity to help children with their education, families with healthier homes, and even the whole community with more productive daily lives.