Since 2018, all the funds raised from UK Coffee Week have supported Project Waterfall’s work in the Jabi Tehran district of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is considered the biological and cultural home of coffee. In fact, 38% of people in Jabi Tehnan rely on coffee for their livelihoods.
Coffee farmers in Woyinima village, Jabi Tehnan, West Gojjam, Ethiopia.
Credit: WaterAid/ Genaye Eshetu
However, Ethiopia is also one of the countries most affected by the water crisis. 75% of people lack access to clean water and 95% lack access to sanitation.
Project Waterfall’s work here, which began in 2018 in partnership with WaterAid, will bring clean drinking water, education and sanitation to 10,000 people in the area by 2022. Here’s what’s happened so far…
In the first six months of the project
(September 2018 - March 2019):
2 water points were constructed from an existing water source. This improved access to safe water for 700 people.
Sanitation interventions took place in households and increased basic sanitation for more than 1,500 people.
Hygiene behavioural change promotional activities were run. These increased knowledge, skills, and awareness on hygiene behaviours for more than 1,500 people.
Training was given to the Woreda (district) WASH Team and mWater who are responsible for WASH decision making across local government offices. This is aimed at improving government systems and enhancing accountabilities.
NOTE: WASH is the collective term for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
Tadila Awoke, 13, is a seventh-grade student, and she demonstrates proper hand-washing practice in front of students.
Credit WaterAid/ Behailu Shiferaw
In the second six months of the project
(April 2019 - September 2019):
A water supply system was constructed and is now benefitting 5,871 people. This construction involved building a collection chamber, generator house, concrete water reservoir and 6 water points in the Woyinma community.
Improved pit latrines construction in Weynima Primary School, Jabi Tehnan, West Gojjam, Ethiopia.
Credit: WaterAid/ Genaye Eshetu
Water source construction in Weynima Primary School, Jabi Tehnan, West Gojjam, Ethiopia.
Credit: WaterAid/ Genaye Eshetu
Two ventilated improved pit latrines with handwashing facilities, one water point, and one water tank were constructed in Woyinma primary school, benefitting 1,424 people.
Community sanitation promotion interventions were held. 587 households have renovated their toilets as a result, with 2,025 people benefitting.
Two school WASH clubs have been established.
This is just the start…
If you’re a coffee shop that participated in UK Coffee Week 2018 or 2019, or you’re a coffee lover who drank in one of those shops during the week, then a big thank you. Your support has made the above possible.
In the coming weeks we’ll outline what’s planned for year 2 of the project. But in the meantime let’s get excited for UK Coffee Week 2020!
We’ll be celebrating our 10th Birthday and, having raised over £750,000 so far, this year we want to smash through the £1million fundraising mark.
If you run a coffee shop or business then register to take part today. You’ll save £5 and it takes just 5 minutes.
If you just love drinking coffee then make sure your local is registered and ready for the week!
Credit Title image WaterAid_/ Behailu Shiferaw
