Gift of Water

Friday, 19 February 2016 Gift of Water

Two communities in Saja, Western Ethiopia now have access to clean drinking water thanks to efforts of SIM’s Ethiopia Water program in collaboration with a local church. The program has recently completed the construction of two wells that will be used by just under two hundred households. These communities are now amongst the 25% of Ethiopians who have access to safe drinking water, defined as a one to two kilometer walk from a water source.

The local leaders in Saja expressed their gratitude for the wells that will help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. The ability to access safe water is a crucial component in preventing a number of diseases, including diarrhea, cholera, eye disease and other diseases that contribute to infant mortality.

The wells will also benefit the lives of the young girls living in the two communities who previously were responsible for the task of collecting water. Before the construction of the wells, village girls would regularly walk long distance to collect water. The long walk for water posed safety concerns for these girls, as well as excluding them from the opportunity of attending school.

The gift of clean water to a community goes a long way, from fighting disease to seeing more girls able to receive an education! To help improve the health status of communities through the gift of water, you can make a tax deductible donation to our Community Transformation Fund (09320) here Comments
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