How the partnership of Rotary International and World Vision perseveres to help transform communities.
In the rural heartland of Ethiopia lies the district of Yaya Gulele—a diverse and beautiful farming community. But like many places in Ethiopia, Yaya Gulele has been hit hard by extreme weather changes, ongoing conflicts, and a severe lack of resources. It is here that a project with Rotary International and World Vision is underway. This project aims to help thousands of people experience life-changing transformation. It’s a story of collaboration, determination, and a shared vision—a story where Rotary clubs and World Vision have teamed up to address one of the most pressing issues in the developing world: access to clean water.
Water is a fundamental human need, yet for millions in Ethiopia, it remains a scarce and often contaminated resource. Out of the 84 million people living in rural Ethiopia, 69% (58 million) lack access to clean water or rely on unimproved water sources. An alarming 96% of people (80.6 million) lack access to safe sanitation there. Diarrhea, a condition attributed to lack of clean water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene practices, is the second leading cause of death for children under 5 in Ethiopia, accounting for 23% of all under-5 deaths—more than 70,000 children a year.
To many, such numbers seem much too large to address. But not for World Vision or Rotary. Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million passionate volunteers, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change. Rotary is one of the largest civil society organizations in the world. Known as a leader in eradicating polio, Rotarians globally contribute more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to help protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease.
Tim Arnold, a long-time Rotary member who is deeply involved in the water project in Ethiopia, emphasizes the urgency of their mission. “We realized that without clean water, everything else we were trying to achieve—education, health, economic stability—was being undermined. Clean water is the foundation upon which sustainable development is built.”
The original goal was to equip community members with clean water access, improved sanitation, and hygiene interventions in 14 schools in the Yaya Gulele district and in the surrounding areas. This would reach 4,937 students in schools and 33,443 people in the neighboring communities.
However, the path to success has been fraught with challenges. Ethiopia’s ongoing violent conflict between the government and militia groups has created security concerns and has made it nearly impossible to do development work in certain areas.
In addition to the security challenges, the partnership had to navigate complex processes to secure the necessary permits and approvals, addressing unforeseen changes along the way. Another Rotary member, Brian Gower, notes, “Building trust with local authorities was crucial. We had to demonstrate our commitment to the community’s well-being and show that we were in this for the long haul.”
But when others might have scrapped the project, or at the very least hit pause, World Vision and Rotary pushed forward in their efforts. “I made a promise to the village that we would bring clean water to them,” says Tim. “I don’t know how to give up.”
Together, World Vision—using our holistic, community-based solutions—and Rotary implemented a comprehensive approach. It’s not just about drilling wells; it’s about ensuring the sustainability of these resources. Communities are equipped to maintain the wells, local water committees are established, and safe hygiene practices are promoted to maximize the benefits of clean water.
Only halfway through the multi-year project, the success of this initiative can be seen already. Before the project, residents relied on a contaminated river for their water needs. Today, thanks to the three new wells and the completion of a pipeline extension, thousands of people have access to clean water. Cases of diarrhea and other waterborne diseases have fallen, and children are back in school, no longer burdened by the daily chore of water collection.
The collaboration has also focused on improving sanitation facilities. New latrines and handwashing stations have been built, significantly reducing the incidence of disease and creating a healthier environment for the community. This multi-faceted approach helps ensure that the benefits of clean water are fully realized, leading to a marked improvement in overall well-being.
Tim speaks passionately about the ripple effects of this work. “Clean water is just the beginning. It empowers communities, boosts economies, and most importantly, it saves lives. We’ve seen entire villages transformed, and that’s incredibly rewarding.”
Brian adds, “The partnership with World Vision has been crucial. Their expertise in community development and our resources and volunteer network create a synergy that amplifies our impact. Together, we’re making a difference that will last for generations.”
The data supports their optimism. Studies show that for every $1 invested in water and sanitation, there is a $4 return in terms of reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity. In Ethiopia, this translates into a brighter future for thousands of families.
As the sun sets over the Ethiopian landscape, the wells continue to flow, a testament to what can be achieved when organizations like Rotary and World Vision come together with the community and persevere through the obstacles. This partnership is more than a collaboration; it’s an example of how passionate and dedicated people can work toward life-changing impact for communities all over the world.
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