Project Waterfall is tackling the global water crisis by bringing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives to coffee-growing communities. Ethiopia, one of the world’s largest coffee producers, relies on coffee as its top export, accounting for over 25% of the country’s total exports. Over the past 18 months, we have partnered with Splash to implement sustainable WASH solutions at schools in Addis Ababa, the nation’s capital. The Barzilai Foundation funded two schools, Tsehay Chora and Atse Tewoderos. In November, Tom Cawthorn, the Program Advisor from the Barzilai Foundation, visited the schools to see the completed transformations first-hand.
Both schools have long struggled with inadequate WASH facilities. At Atse Tewoderos, water was only available twice a week, and existing water stations were inconveniently located near toilets. Tsehay Chora, serves students from nearby informal settlement who face severe water shortages and inadequate sanitation facilities. The lack of resources not only impacted health but also attendance at school, particularly for girls during menstruation.
The Barzilai Foundation partnered with Project Waterfall to address these challenges. As Brandon Sosa, CEO of the Barzilai Foundation, explains, “Knowing how much WASH facilities can drive student health and academic results, we are thrilled to partner with Project Waterfall to empower future generations to break out of poverty.” This combined effort aims to eliminate barriers to education and improve student outcomes.
The program has focused on delivering safe, reliable water through advanced purification systems and better storage solutions. Child-friendly drinking stations were installed in accessible locations to encourage regular use. To improve sanitation, new toilet blocks were built using cost-effective designs that local governments are now adopting as a model. Handwashing stations were also introduced, paired with engaging hygiene education to help students adopt and sustain healthy practices.
By the end of 2024, WASH infrastructure improvements were completed, directly benefiting 1,200 daytime students, 1,000 adult evening students, and 170 staff members. Hygiene training was extended to school leadership, janitors, and food handlers to ensure long-term sustainability. The menstrual health program significantly reduced teasing around menstruation, while mothers reported feeling more comfortable discussing puberty with their children.
Improved attendance is already making an impact. In Ethiopia, secondary school graduation more than doubles a student’s expected lifetime earnings. Girls, in particular, see a 20% increase in earnings for each additional year of schooling. Addressing WASH challenges is helping students stay in school and break cycles of poverty, paving the way for brighter futures.
Despite successes, the program faced challenges. Delays in building sanitation facilities required close coordination with local government partners to keep things on track. Ethiopia’s internal conflict also posed risks, but proactive planning and collaboration with local staff ensured the safety of team members and continuity of activities.
Through the support of the Barzilai Foundation and the collaboration of local partners and Splash, Project Waterfall has removed significant barriers to education for thousands of students. With clean water, proper sanitation, and essential hygiene education, these young learners are better equipped to focus on their studies, stay in school, and achieve their potential.
