We create access to clean water and improved sanitation through village wells and family composting latrines.

Did you know:

• Only 31% of rural Ethiopia has access to safe water
• Waterborne diseases cause 80% of illnesses and death in the developing world
• Sanitation has the greatest impact on health and adds 20 years to life expectancy at birth.

Village wells and family latrines are an important way to combat disease and increase life expectancy. Wells are hand-dug in dry season so that when the 3-foot circumference hole reaches water it is known that there will be a water supply all year. Villagers who have previously had to dip in shallow, dirty water where people and animals walk for their drinking water can now have clean, safe water pumped to the surface to their personal jug or jerry can.

A family latrine consists of a drop-hole for feces with a lid that is moved with the foot and a collection area for urine. The vent pipe is screened so that flies, if they enter, are left in the dark when the lid is on and ‘escape ’ to the screened lighted vent where they can never exit because they won’t return to the dark pit.

Compost is added frequently to prevent odor and the toilet enclosure and toilet pan is moved after one year switched to the other pit. The family latrine enclosure is a colorful oilcloth visible to all walking by and available for anyone to use, thus increasing the desire for sanitation and a wish to end open defecation.