Why Move?

You only have to read the news to see that there has been some unrest in Ethiopia. Sadly, the Oromo Rebels have become more active in the mountainous regions around Bantu where Hope Springs Water has been based and where we first started our Water, Sanitation and Health and Hygiene programs. As we discussed this with our government contacts in Ethiopia, it became clear that whilst the door to working around Bantu may be closing for a season, we were being offered an amazing opportunity to move to an area that allows us to have a much greater impact than we ever dreamed possible.

Of the half a million people in this region, only 28% have access to clean water, and only 9% have access to safe sanitation. This expansion gives us the opportunity to make a significant impact in the region by increasing access to clean water, improving sanitation, and offering public health and hygiene education and resources. How amazing is that?!

When?

Now!! We have already begun working in this area, and are building a new sanitation unit at a primary school in Teji that has over 3,000 students and no safe latrine systems. Can you imagine the impact this will have? We have also drilled 7 wells in this region so far to bring clean, life-changing water to communities in need.

The local Mayor has given us a piece of land that is ideal for our new base of operations, in that it is central, safe and has easy access to all the support services we need. But we need your help! We need to raise funds to build our new Base of Operations and set up security for our equipment so that we can safely continue our work and move into this new season.

How Much?

We are planning the work in three phases, to create a base of Operations that will house our International Teams.

• Phase 1 will cost around $35,000 with the biggest expense being the purchase and delivery of three used 40' containers. One of these containers will be used for storage and the other two will eventually become housing for our International teams.
• Phase 2 will cost around $15,000 and will focus on converting 2 containers into accommodation units. That includes building toilets and showers, adding bunk beds and setting up a basic kitchen area.
• Phase 3 will cost around $10,000 and will add a roof between 2 of the containers creating a courtyard that is protected from the heat and rain. This will give us an area to store our vehicles, work on equipment, carry out some educational classes and give our teams a space to meet.
  

Our Progress

As April 2025 comes to an end, we are pleased to report that we have completed Phase 1, and are off to a great start on Phase 2! The doors, windows, bathroom, kitchen, and work shop area are coming along well. Once that is complete, the next big task will be adding a roof between two of the containers to create a sheltered courtyard.

We will need to build the roof trusses and install them and the tin over the area between the containers. This will be the last major step before our new base of operations is ready to be used!

Before we begin this final phase, we will need to raise $7,500 to finish converting the containers into accommodation units and $10,000 to cover the cost of the roof. Can you help us?

How will you help?

We need people like you who can help by donating and fundraising, who can volunteer their time, who can connect with other individuals and groups to get them involved.

We need you to be an Ambassador for those who have no voice. We need you.