Historic First Water Well Drilled in Woberi Mensur Village, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

15^th April, 2025 marks a proud and transformative moment in the journey of Imagine1day. We are excited to announce the successful drilling of the very first water well by our own drilling machine in Woberi Mensur village, located in the Gumbichu district of East Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State. This milestone event was celebrated in the presence of representatives from the Authority for Civil Society Organization (ACSO) and Imagine1day Country Director, highlighting the significance of this achievement for our wider mission in Ethiopia beyond the village.

The project forms a core part of our WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiative, developed to provide safe and sustainable water access to underserved communities. This particular effort has been made possible through our valued partnership with HOPE-H2O, a Canadian charity committed to improving access to clean water. Together, we are reaching a combined population of 2,220 people across Woberi Mensur and Adadi Gole villages.

This project is more than just an infrastructure milestone. It symbolizes the start of a healthier, more empowered life for families who have long struggled with water scarcity. By installing shallow water wells, we are ensuring that children can stay in school, that mothers no longer need to walk for hours to find water, and that entire communities can thrive with dignity and peace of mind.

A generous investment from HOPE-H2O has been instrumental in making this dream a reality. Their support has not only funded the drilling of this well, but also played a critical role in helping us procure the much-needed water well drilling machine — a key piece of equipment that will continue to serve additional communities in the region.

We are deeply grateful to HOPE-H2O, our dedicated staff, local stakeholders, and everyone who has contributed to this life-changing initiative. Your belief in our mission and your unwavering support have helped lay the foundation for a more hopeful future in these villages.

This is more than just a well — it is a source of life, resilience, and opportunity. With every drop, we are shaping a brighter, healthier tomorrow for generations to come. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

 

Empowering Change at the Source: Building WASH Champions for a Healthier Tomorrow

Imagine1day, in its unwavering commitment to community development and public health, conducted a comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) training for 12 participants drawn from the Gimbichu government office in the Oromia region, project implementation sites, and Imagine1day’s country office. This impactful training was led by global WASH experts, bringing international insights to a local context, and creating a meaningful platform for learning, collaboration, and empowerment. The inclusion of diverse participants ensured that the knowledge shared would cascade through various levels of governance and grassroots action.

The primary objective of the training was to build the capacity of community WASH promoters by equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and confidence necessary to effectively advocate for and implement essential WASH practices. More than just a technical training, this initiative was a call to action—highlighting the critical role that WASH promoters play in shaping healthy, resilient communities. Through practical sessions and participatory discussions, attendees were encouraged to reflect on local challenges, explore innovative solutions, and internalize the life-saving impact of their role within their communities.

This training marks a pivotal step toward sustainable change in Gimbichu and across wider intervention areas in Ethiopia. The participants emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility beyond enhanced professional competencies. As they return to their respective communities and offices, they carry forward a powerful message: that clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene are not optional, but vital cornerstones of human dignity and development. Imagine1day believes that by investing in local leadership and promoting shared accountability, we lay the foundation for healthier futures and lasting transformation.

 

Story: Transforming Lives with Clean Water: A Community’s Renewed Hope

“Fetching clean water used to feel like an impossible dream,” says Emawayish Dessalegn, her voice filled with emotion as she recalls the daily struggle she faced to provide water for her family in Liyu-Hayile Kebele of Amhara region, Ethiopia. “We had no choice but to drink highly muddled water from a traditional hand-dug well, even though it made us sick.”

Emawayish, a 25-year-old mother of three daughters, remembers the many hardships her family endured due to the severe shortage of potable water in their community. “The water we drank was so dirty that we all suffered from frequent diarrhea and other waterborne diseases,” she explains. “It was a constant source of pain and fear for my children and me.”

The lack of clean water was not just a health issue—it was a financial burden too. Emawayish was forced to pay 2 ETB for just 25 liters of unsafe water. “It didn’t make sense,” she says. “I had to spend hours each day searching for water, time that I could have used to care for my family or work.”

For years, the residents of Liyu-Hayile Kebele had been trapped in a cycle of illness and hardship. Women and children would walk long distances, hoping to find water that was safe to drink. But often, they returned with water that only made them sicker, unable to afford the high cost of purchasing clean water.

Then came a turning point. Through funding from the Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund (EHF), Imagine1day, in partnership with the Sekota Town Water Supply and Sewerage Utility Service, began rehabilitating a non-functional deep well water facility in Liyu-Hayile Kebele. The project involved installing a 7.5 kW submersible pump, ensuring a consistent and clean water supply for the community.

The impact of the new water system has been nothing short of life-changing. “Now, we have clean water right in our own community,” Emawayish says, her eyes brimming with relief. “My children are healthier, and I no longer worry about them falling sick from the water they drink.” The clean water, she says, is not just a resource—it is a symbol of hope, safety, and a fresh start for her family and the entire community.

For Emawayish, the intervention has meant much more than access to safe water. “Before, I was always anxious, always worrying about how to get enough water. Now, I can use the time I spent fetching water for something better—spending more time with my children, caring for them, and working,” she explains. “This has changed everything for us.”

The transformation extends beyond just the health benefits. The new water supply has relieved the burden on women and children, who no longer need to walk long distances to find water. “We no longer have to waste hours looking for water that could make us sick,” Emawayish says. “Now, we have time to focus on the things that matter the most—our families, our work, and our future.”

Emawayish is not the only one who has noticed the difference. The entire community of Liyu-Hayile Kebele has felt the positive effects of the clean water supply. “EHF and Imagine1day’s contribution will never be forgotten,” Emawayish says. “This is more than just a water project—it’s a gift that has given us a new beginning, a chance to rebuild our community and our lives. We are very grateful to both of them.”

Thanks to the combined efforts of the EHF, Imagine1day, and the Sekota Town Water Supply and Sewerage Utility Service, over 61,000 people—31,110 men and 29,890 women—now have access to safe drinking water. This life-changing intervention has immense role in building resilient, healthy communities.

“Water is life,” Emawayish concludes with a smile. “And now, we finally have life.”