W2T FAQ’s: Water projects in rural Ethiopia.
1. Why Ethiopia?
The need for clean, safe water in rural Ethiopia is vast. Only one in three people have access. Over 50% of the population is suffering from waterborne diseases. One in ten children dies before the age of five. There are over 4.8 million Lutherans in Ethiopia, the most dense Lutheran population in Africa.
2. What is the difference between hand-dug wells and spring-protection?
Hand-dug wells: Dug by hand, the maximum depth of a hand dug well is 50ft while the diameter can be up to 5ft. Once the groundwater is reached, the well is lined with concrete and sealed with a slab. A hand-pump is then installed to bring the water to the surface.
Spring protection: A spring protection project involves capping a natural spring with concrete. Once the source is capped, water is transported through pipes to the nearest suitable distribution points (e.g. faucets). By sealing a spring, disease-causing pathogens are kept from entering the water.
3. Why hand-dug wells?
Hand-dug wells offer a cost-effective solution that can be implemented effectively, without the cost of expensive equipment.
4. Is there a lot of corruption in Ethiopia?
Through our partnering with A Glimmer of Hope, we have a secure channel of distribution that eliminates the possibility of any funds not reaching the programs they were intended for. Funds from the US are sent directly to A Glimmer of Hope’s office in Addis Ababa and, from there, they are distributed directly to the Ethiopian organizations it has handpicked as its partners. This innovative and secure channel of distribution also ensures that there is no involvement by any third parties or governmental organizations
5. What is the cost of a well?
The average cost of a hand dug well is $3,500. This provides water for 300 – 500 people.
6. What is the breakdown of the $3,500?
In addition to the cost of the parts for the well to be built, the $3,500 covers the cost of the engineering team that assists in the implementation and management of the well construction, as well as the training on the maintenance of the well.
7. How much of my money gets through to the programs?
100%. Through our support from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, all operating and implementation expenses will be covered on an ongoing basis, offering supporters a unique opportunity to help some of the poorest people in the world, with 100% of their donations.
8. Who oversees operations on the ground?
A Glimmer of Hope’s country office is staffed by experienced Ethiopian professionals, working closely with its partners and monitoring the progress of their projects. Projects are funded on a quarterly basis and funding for the following quarter is only released if the goals from the prior quarter are achieved.
9. What is the average life span of a well?
15 – 20 years.
10. How do they remain sustainable?
At each water project, a six-member committee is appointed from the benefiting community and made responsible for the care and upkeep of the well. They are trained in maintenance and receive support from the implementing partners when needed. They are also responsible for collecting nominal fees from people collecting water from the project; that money is then used to cover maintenance costs. In a recent audit of all wells constructed through A Glimmer of Hope since 2001, 95% were found to be fully operational, which is significantly above the International Aid standard.
11. Who builds the wells?
Much of the unskilled labor is carried out on a volunteer basis by members of the benefiting community to keep costs down, while the engineering aspects of the projects are carried out by A Glimmer of Hope’s water partners. These partners include some of the best water development organizations in all of Africa including the Relief Society of Tigray (REST) which has more than 80 employees just in its Water Department.
12. What about your ability to handle large donations?
Due to the combination of the professionalism and size of partner organizations, the efficiency the A Glimmer of Hope offices in Austin and Addis Ababa; and, the security of the distribution channel, we are fortunate enough not to have any restrictions in terms of the size when it comes to accepting and processing donations.
13. What reporting is offered?
One of the main purposes served by A Glimmer of Hope’s country office in Addis Ababa is to provide detailed and timely progress reports on all projects funded by major contributors. These reports include detailed written accounts, photographs and in most cases, video.
14. Are there any plans to implement water in places other than Ethiopia?
For the 2008 pilot year of our program, our focus is strictly in Ethiopia, and all water wells will be implemented in this country. As we look to expand our program in 2009 and beyond, as well as seek to roll out W2T at the national level, we will begin to identify additional countries in which to operate.
15. What is the potential for partnering with Lutheran based organizations such as Lutheran World Relief (LWR) and Lutheran World Federation (LWF)?
The 2008 W2T pilot program focuses effort in Ethiopia. As we look ahead into 2009 and beyond, W2T will begin to seek ways in which we can partner with LWR and LWF in work that is being done in other countries.
16. Is my church leadership aware of the W2T program?
W2T has been introduced to both ELCA and LCMS synod and district leadership levels, in addition to leadership of Lutheran Social Services.
17. How does W2T fit in with the other programs that my congregation already supports?
W2T offers an additional way for Lutherans to express their faith and philanthropy. W2T encourages giving to this program to be in addition to the programs already being supported, and seen as yet another opportunity to serve Gods people in the world.
18. How can I get involved?
a) Visit our website, at
www.WaterToThrive.org to learn of all the ways to get involved and the many programs available.
b)
Sign up to receive our newsletter.
c)
Support W2T through a donation.
d) Spread awareness by sharing the messages of W2T.
Materials available on website.
e) Host a fundraising event.
f) Volunteer.
g) Pray for the project.
h) Contact us.
19. How can I donate?
Donations may be made payable to Water to Thrive, and mailed to P.O. Box 26747, Austin, Texas, 78755. Donations can also be made
online.
