“Today, we are not just commissioning a water well drilling rig we are igniting a movement toward a better future. Let us drill deep, not just into the ground, but into the heart of our community, fostering a legacy of sustainability and prosperity,” says Bereket Gebratsion, WASH Program Manager at Imagine1day.

Imagine1day is celebrating a monumental milestone in its 17-year journey of transforming communities and empowering the future of Ethiopian children. For nearly two decades, the organization has been creating access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in both schools and communities. Through its persistent efforts, Imagine1day has built 138 water points and 239 gender-segregated latrines, improving the lives of thousands and laying the foundation for healthier, more equitable futures. Its effort in menstrual hygiene management (MHM) room, girls’ friendly school environments, and community engagement have been integral in enhancing girls’ education and ensuring a brighter future for all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In an exciting new chapter, Imagine1day has taken a giant leap forward in its mission of getting a water drilling machine. With the generous support of its donors, this new technology will help provide access to clean water for over 20,000 people in the coming five years.

Dr. Gelana Woldemichael, deputy head of the Oromia Education Bureau says, “Water is life, and Imagine1day has been, and will continue to be, a source of life for generations to come through its commitment to providing access to clean water. The addition of this drilling machine is a game-changer for our country, and its impact will be felt for years to come. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Imagine1day and its generous donors for this incredible step forward. Your dedication and support are making a difference. Thank you for helping us move closer to a future where clean water is accessible to all.”

Imagine1day country director, Dr. Seid Aman in his turn says “Congratulations all on reaching this remarkable milestone! I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who made this achievement possible. A special thank you to Ken Makenzie, our board chair, whose visionary idea of getting our own drilling machine set this project into motion. We are also very grateful of his generosity as the first donor, contributing 50,000USD to make this dream a reality.

I also want to thank all of our generous donors for their continued support, as well as the Oromia Education Bureau and the Water and Energy Bureau, whose collaboration and dedication have been invaluable throughout this entire journey. We are especially grateful to them for being here today, despite their busy schedules, to join us in celebrating the commissioning ceremony of the drilling machine.

This accomplishment is the result of collective effort and shared commitment. We are thrilled to be marking this moment together. Thank you once again to everyone for your dedication and support.”

This innovation is set to bring life-saving resources to more communities, contributing to a lasting impact that will reverberate for generations.

 

The ceremony, held at the Oromia Education Bureau Warehouse in Gelan, Sheger city on January 25, 2025, was attended by high-ranking officials, including the regional water and energy and education bureau, and key stakeholders. Their presence underscored the significance of this milestone and the broader implications for Ethiopia’s development. This event celebrated not only the acquisition of the new machine but also the invaluable partnerships that have fueled Imagine1day’s progress.

At Imagine1day, the belief that “Water is Life, Girls’ Education, a Brighter Future and a Better World” runs deep. The organization’s work goes beyond just providing clean water—it’s about creating sustainable change that empowers children, especially girls, to stay in school and thrive. By combining access to clean water with comprehensive WASH programs, Imagine1day is laying the groundwork for a better, more equitable world for Ethiopia’s future leaders.

Ken Makenzie, Imagine1day board chair says, “This moment is not about us—it’s about all of you who are working tirelessly on the ground to create a better world for the children of Ethiopia. Today marks a new chapter in Imagine1day’s ongoing contribution, and I’m proud to be part of the drilling machine commissioning ceremony. This achievement is a proof to your hard work and dedication. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible and helped turn this vision into reality. Your efforts are truly making a lasting impact.”

As Imagine1day continues to build on this incredible momentum, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, partners, and everyone who has contributed to this cause. Together, we’re turning the dream of clean water and brighter futures into a reality. With each waterpoint and latrine built, each girl empowered, and each community transformed, we are moving one step closer to a world where every child has the opportunity to flourish. Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey!

 

 

Five Primary Schools Inaugurated in Oromia and Tigray: A Landmark in Education

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imagine1day, in partnership with the Costa Foundation, David L.J. Thomson, and the Egela Development Association (EDA) has marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of five new primary schools across Ethiopia in January 2025. The schools Harawa Kale, Dina’a, Garbigalo, and Adeyi in Oromia, and Hawatsi in Tigray were officially opened in a grand ceremony attended by government higher officials, Imagine1day Board chair and members, national program directors, partners, students, teachers, and members of the community. This collaboration represents a vital step in expanding access to quality education in unreached areas, ensuring that children have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.

The new schools are designed to provide a strong foundation for the next generation of learners. They are equipped with modern facilities that will support both the intellectual and personal growth of students. The ceremony was filled with a sense of celebration, as local communities came together to mark the beginning of a new chapter for education in their regions. With the opening of these schools, Imagine1day, the Costa Foundation, David L.J. Thomson, and the Egela Development Association (EDA) have directly contributed to the educational infrastructure, benefiting thousands of children who will now have access to formal schooling and all the opportunities that come with it.

 

 

The inauguration highlights the importance of partnerships between local communities, government, and non-profit organizations in driving meaningful change. Imagine1day’s national program directors emphasized the role education plays in empowering communities, fostering sustainable development, and breaking the vicious cycle of poverty. For the students, teachers, and families present at the event, the schools symbolize more than just buildings—they represent hope, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter future. Through initiatives like these, Imagine1day, the Costa Foundation, David L.J. Thomson, and the Egela Development Association (EDA) are helping to shape a stronger, more educated Ethiopia for generations to come.

We are better together!

 

Staff Profile: Bereket Gebretsion

Bereket is Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program manager at imagine 1day Ethiopia country office. He holds Diploma in building construction from Addis Ababa technical school in 1984, then a certificate of water supply and sanitation from Water Engineering Development Center (WEDC) Loughborough university U.K, certificate of Rain water harvesting and utilization from Gansu, research institute for water conservancy – Chaina, and BA in Development management and BA in Urban Development management from Alpha University. Additionally, he has a Master’s degree in Rural Development from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ashland university USA in collaboration with Lead Star collage of leadership and management in specialization with NGO management.

With over 39 years of experience in water supply, sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in local and International Non-government organization (NGOs) areas. All-rounded experience in technical expertise, human resources, administration, leadership and management of emergency response, rehabilitation, development, capacity building, program operation and over-all sustainable development strategy. He has experience of working with partners organization in some Africa countries (Kenya, Uganda, Liberia, Burundi, and Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC) as WASH consultant. Ability to write proposals, reports and maintains documents, facilitating and providing trainings. Admirable communication skills, detailed oriented and well organized with the ability to multi task and work well under pressure. Works well both independently and in collaboration within a team. During his 40 years there, he worked in various level of responsibility and duty from water technician to general manager position.

Bereket was drawn to Imagine1day due to its passionate staff and track record of success, reflecting his own commitment to making a visible impact in WASH.