This entry is the final of four from Jim Goering, who, with his wife Shirley, joined Water to Thrive in Ethiopia in June. In two multi-year postings in Ethiopia, first as an economic advisor from Harvard University and then as an official of the World Bank, Goering gained extensive experience in the country and brings this perspective to bear on Ethiopia’s economic and social situation as well as on the work of Water to Thrive. This entry, providing his questions and recommendations for the ongoing work of Water to Thrive in Ethiopia, was preceded by his overview of Ethiopia’s economic position, an overview of the nation’s water issues, and a recap of the group’s visit. In days to come, W2T founder Dick Moeller will also address the question of next steps and ongoing work.

It would be presumptuous in the extreme to attempt any recommendations regarding Water to Thrive’s program on the basis of a visit of a few days to a relatively small number of water projects. Rather, I will share a few random thoughts, mainly in the form of questions, which came to mind as I saw the projects and listened to the related discussions by those involved. They are, in no particular order of priority:

* Could the program be made a bit more intentional in its underlying Christian basis by ensuring that the words “God,” “Jesus Christ,” or “Christ” appear in the permanent signage attached to each well-site? Or perhaps inclusion of a relevant verse from the Bible?

* To ensure sustainability, any philanthropic effort needs some degree of effective publicity attached to its efforts. Would there be merit in having most, if not all, of the signage at each well stated in the local or national language of the host country? My recollection is that all of the signage I saw was only in English—of interest to the relatively few international visitors that might visit these isolated sites, but virtually meaningless to the great majority of the local population or many local nationals.

* The total cost of identifying, capturing, and delivering a liter of water to the spigot at the well is significant, i.e., every drop is precious and every reasonable effort should be made to conserve it. I noticed considerable wastage of water at some sites from the fact that no funnel was being used to convey all of the water from the spigot directly to the jerry can. In contrast, on some wells, funnels were improvised from one liter plastic water bottles, cut into halves, inverted and wired to the spigot—a simple and effective way to eliminate wastage. A policy of working to achieve zero water wastage at the spigot would seem reasonable.

* I was impressed with the amount of community development work, much in the nature of tree planting, water harvesting, etc., being carried out by local community members. My understanding is that some of this work was being financed by USAID or other international funding sources. In the interests of capturing possible synergies in this community development work, would there be merit in W2T coordinating its water development efforts with this work carried out by other donors—perhaps through occasional coordination meetings in Addis?

This visit to Ethiopia under W2T auspices was a mind-changing experience for which both Shirley and I are grateful! The American novelist Thomas Wolfe said, “You can’t go home again,” implying that after any truly moving experience, mindsets and attitudes are forever changed. That sums it up well for me!

 

 

 

 

This entry is the final of four from Jim Goering, who, with his wife Shirley, joined Water to Thrive in Ethiopia in June. In two multi-year postings in Ethiopia, first as an economic advisor from Harvard University and then as an official of the World Bank, Goering gained extensive experience in the country and brings this perspective to bear on Ethiopia’s economic and social situation as well as on the work of Water to Thrive. This entry, providing his questions and recommendations for the ongoing work of Water to Thrive in Ethiopia, was preceded by his overview of Ethiopia’s economic position, an overview of the nation’s water issues, and a recap of the group’s visit. In days to come, W2T founder Dick Moeller will also address the question of next steps and ongoing work.

It would be presumptuous in the extreme to attempt any recommendations regarding Water to Thrive’s program on the basis of a visit of a few days to a relatively small number of water projects. Rather, I will share a few random thoughts, mainly in the form of questions, which came to mind as I saw the projects and listened to the related discussions by those involved. They are, in no particular order of priority:

* Could the program be made a bit more intentional in its underlying Christian basis by ensuring that the words “God,” “Jesus Christ,” or “Christ” appear in the permanent signage attached to each well-site? Or perhaps inclusion of a relevant verse from the Bible?

* To ensure sustainability, any philanthropic effort needs some degree of effective publicity attached to its efforts. Would there be merit in having most, if not all, of the signage at each well stated in the local or national language of the host country? My recollection is that all of the signage I saw was only in English—of interest to the relatively few international visitors that might visit these isolated sites, but virtually meaningless to the great majority of the local population or many local nationals.

* The total cost of identifying, capturing, and delivering a liter of water to the spigot at the well is significant, i.e., every drop is precious and every reasonable effort should be made to conserve it. I noticed considerable wastage of water at some sites from the fact that no funnel was being used to convey all of the water from the spigot directly to the jerry can. In contrast, on some wells, funnels were improvised from one liter plastic water bottles, cut into halves, inverted and wired to the spigot—a simple and effective way to eliminate wastage. A policy of working to achieve zero water wastage at the spigot would seem reasonable.

* I was impressed with the amount of community development work, much in the nature of tree planting, water harvesting, etc., being carried out by local community members. My understanding is that some of this work was being financed by USAID or other international funding sources. In the interests of capturing possible synergies in this community development work, would there be merit in W2T coordinating its water development efforts with this work carried out by other donors—perhaps through occasional coordination meetings in Addis?

This visit to Ethiopia under W2T auspices was a mind-changing experience for which both Shirley and I are grateful! The American novelist Thomas Wolfe said, “You can’t go home again,” implying that after any truly moving experience, mindsets and attitudes are forever changed. That sums it up well for me!