Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of our global community,

We come before you today as a collective of students and young adults, whose roots trace back to the rural landscapes of Ethiopia, and who now reside in the United States. Our journey has taken us from the humble roles of sheep handlers, farmers, and striving students (those fortunate enough to afford education) in our rustic Ethiopian homelands, to our current lives in the United States. We vividly recall the days when we trekked many miles on foot to procure drinking water from the nearest city.

In our culture, the responsibilities of fetching water, preparing nourishing meals, and caring for children traditionally fall upon the shoulders of women and young girls. Unfortunately, the pursuit of education often remains a distant dream for most women due to financial constraints and the demands of domestic life. Recently, we returned to our hometowns and the very villages that nurtured us in Ethiopia. To our dismay, we witnessed women and young girls still engaged in the same arduous task of transporting water, lugging yellow water jugs on their backs through the countryside to access the nearest town's water source. As we drove into our hometown to reunite with our loved ones, we passed by countless determined souls on their water-fetching journeys.

In contrast to our current privileged circumstances in the United States, where clean water flows effortlessly from our taps, this stark reality compelled us to take action. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and we firmly believe that no one should be deprived of this basic necessity. The desire to effect change was ignited within us upon returning from our visit to our homeland. We are resolute in our mission to provide clean water to those who continue to struggle without it.

We share this heartfelt narrative with you today because we are embarking on a crucial fundraising endeavor—to construct water wells in the underserved communities of Ethiopia. These wells will serve a minimum of 250 people in our community each year. Our immediate focus is on a village named Muka Turre, situated 70 kilometers north of Ethiopia's capital city, Addis Ababa. However, we acknowledge that we cannot undertake this endeavor in isolation, and this is where we humbly request your support.

Our financial goal is to raise $6,500, an amount that covers the construction cost of an average-sized water well. To achieve this, we have formed partnerships with organizations dedicated to making a difference: Bridge H2OPE and its affiliate, Drop of Water . Together, we aim to alleviate the hardship endured by those who must traverse miles upon miles for a simple glass of water. Clean water is more than a liquid; it signifies education, economic opportunities, and good health—especially for women and children. It is our earnest desire to play our part in this transformative journey and extend an invitation to you to join us in this noble cause.

Allow us to share some enlightening statistics:

Over 40% of Ethiopian communities lack access to clean drinking water.

In 8 out of 10 households without access to piped water, women and girls bear the responsibility of water collection.

Diseases stemming from contaminated water sources claim more lives each year than all forms of violence, including armed conflicts.

The timeline for this project spans approximately seven months, from initial funding to the comprehensive project completion report. To stay updated on our progress and receive project-related news, please follow www.bridgeh2ope.org on their social media page (bridge_h2ope). Rest assured that we will reach out to you via email once the project reaches its successful conclusion. Furthermore, if you prefer alternative methods of making donations, kindly inform us, and we will accommodate your preferences.

In closing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for taking the time to consider our cause. Your support will bring about a profound change in the lives of countless individuals who have endured hardships we can scarcely imagine. Thank you for joining hands with us in our shared mission to provide clean water to those in need. Together, we can make a lasting impact and usher in a brighter future for these communities.

Sources:

The WHO/UNICEF JMP global database

UNICEF 2019

UN

Progress on Sanitation and Drinking Water

WHO/UNCIEF report 2017

With warm regards and heartfelt thanks,

Rediet, Ashenafi, Masho, Adanech, Mebrate, Weyessa

Help us bring clean drinking water to our village!

By BridgeH2ope

Help us bring clean drinking water to our village!

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