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 3000 students and no safe latrine systems. Can you imagine the impact this will have? We are also sending a team in October to drill a well at this school giving the students and teachers year round access to clean water. If funding permits we will also drill two more wells in that area!

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, initially prioritizing the safety of our equipment and supplies to protect the investments made over the last 10 years, then creating 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 eat meals and socialize after a hard days work.

A full (draft) budget is available on request, but here are some examples of how your money can help:

• $10,000 will purchase the steel roof trusses and steel roofing to span the compound.
• $8,000 buys one 40' container and gets it delivered to the compound (3 needed)
• $5,000 builds the fencing around the compound and the main entry gate.
• $3,000 builds one toilet and shower unit (2 needed)
• $1,500 adds windows and doors to one accommodation container (2 needed)
• $360 buys one bunk bed, mattress and blanket (10 needed)
• $150 will paint the inside of the three containers

Join With Us

We are so excited to see the mission of Hope Springs Water growing in both reach and reputation in Ethiopia. Can you believe that this tiny non profit based in Athens, Texas has been gifted the opportunity to impact the lives of over half a million people?

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.