NEEDS 4 WATER
GALLERY
Fana Mojo Primary School
With 3,163 students, Fana Mojo is one of the largest schools surveyed in Project 12. Needs4Water assessed WASH infrastructure and identified key challenges in sanitation, hygiene access, and water reliability.
Mojo Primary School
Project 12 assessed WASH access for 2,448 students at Mojo Primary in Oromia, identifying service strain, infrastructure gaps, and opportunities for targeted investment and hygiene education.
When in Doubt, Test It Out
Water quality testing is a cornerstone of the Needs4Water WASH survey. At each school, our team uses rapid testing strips to assess key physical and chemical parameters such as pH, hardness, alkalinity, nitrates, and chlorine levels. These strips provide an essential first look, helping flag concerns that require further lab-based analysis, including tests for metal contaminants and coliform bacteria. This process ensures early detection, targeted action, and ultimately safer water for students and staff.
What’s in the Water? Testing for Safety, One School at a Time
Water testing is a core component of the Needs4Water WASH survey. At each school, our team analyzes physical parameters like pH, chemical indicators such as hardness, alkalinity, and nitrate levels, and tests for disinfectants like free and total chlorine. We also screen for metal contaminants and conduct bacteriological testing for coliform bacteria. These results provide a clear picture of water safety which is vital for protecting student health and guiding targeted improvements.
Survey Complete, Voices Heard
At a Secondary School in Arba Minch, the Needs4Water team stands with students holding banners after completing the Water Insecurity Experience Scale (WISE) surveys, infrastructure assessment, and water quality testing. This moment marks a celebration of shared effort, student participation, and community engagement. Together, we’ve gathered the insights that will help shape safer, healthier school environments across Ethiopia.
Learning Starts with Listening
During the WASH survey, Needs4Water team members use KoboToolbox installed on their phones to record student responses in real time. This digital tool allows for efficient, accurate data collection while keeping the conversation personal and respectful. By capturing lived experiences directly from students, we ensure their voices shape the analysis and guide meaningful improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Celebrating Outstanding Hospitality in Addis Ababa
In appreciation of the exceptional hospitality provided by Ephrem Tesfaye and the dedicated staff of Saro Maria Hotel, Asmahan Rabo of Needs4Water and Mike Hewitt of Almaquin Enterprises presented a Certificate of Appreciation during their stay in Addis Ababa. The hotel’s excellent service significantly contributed to the success of the WASH Survey Ethiopia 2025, demonstrating true professionalism, warmth, and commitment to community support and excellence.
Beyond the Tap
As part of the Project 12 WASH survey, our team conducts infrastructure assessments at each school to examine water sources, storage systems, toilet facilities, and handwashing stations. This on-the-ground data helps identify gaps in safety, access, and functionality. From broken taps to missing soap, every detail matters. These assessments lay the foundation for practical, evidence-based improvements that can uplift school environments and student well-being across Ethiopia.
Bole Primary School
Project 12 assessed WASH conditions for 2,244 students at Bole Primary in Oromia, near Arba Minch—highlighting needs in sanitation capacity, water access, and hygiene infrastructure.
Teachers Share, Solutions Follow
Needs4Water team member Jemal Taha interviews a teacher at Mojo Fana Primary School, capturing valuable insights about daily water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges faced by staff and students. Teacher perspectives are crucial, as they directly observe the impact of WASH conditions on learning and well-being. By engaging educators, the Ethiopia 2025 WASH Survey ensures solutions reflect real-world experiences, creating safer, healthier educational environments across the region.
Kariftu Bahir Dar
Kriftu Resort in Bahir Dar blends modern comfort with Ethiopian charm, offering serene stays, fine dining, and views of Lake Tana. Bahir Dar is known for its palm-lined avenues, cultural heritage, and proximity to the Blue Nile Falls.
Shared Meals and Good Conversation
The Needs4Water team pauses for a well-deserved lunch at the Lotus Hotel in Jijiga, Ethiopia, recharging between school visits for our WASH Survey. Special thanks to Professor Solomon Yared (not shown) and students Abdilahi Ali Husein, Bishar Abdullahi, and Mahdi Farah Libaan from Jijiga University who generously offered their time and expertise to support our survey efforts.
Understanding Water Through Their Perspective
At Hussein Gire Primary School in Jijiga, Asmahan Rabo of Needs4Water conducts the Water Insecurity Experience Scale (WISE) with two young students. Their voices offer more than data—they reveal how water access affects their well-being, focus, and dignity at school. By creating a safe space for honest conversation, the Ethiopia 2025 WASH Survey ensures that girls' experiences inform meaningful, student-centered solutions for cleaner, safer learning environments across the Somali region.
What’s Left Behind
At Ahmed Guray Secondary School in Jigjiga, Ethiopia, this abandoned handwashing station stands as a quiet reminder of what once was. With its taps removed and no water supply, it sits unused, replaced by improvised handwashing with plastic bottles, if hygiene is practiced at all. The WASH Survey Ethiopia 2025 highlights how broken infrastructure undermines basic hygiene and student health, and why restoring dignity starts with restoring function.
Testing Today for Safer Tomorrows
At Sanford International School, Dr. Mulugeta Genanu and Dr. Tsion Assefa conduct water quality testing using test strips as part of the Needs4Water WASH survey. Their work ensures a rapid, reliable first look at key water parameters to identify concerns and prioritize further analysis. With science at the forefront, this hands-on testing supports data-driven decisions that protect student health and guide sustainable improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene across schools.
Water Testing 101
At a secondary school in Arba Minch, Needs4Water team member Jemal Taha demonstrates how to use water testing strips to a group of students. This simple, hands-on activity turns science into something personal, helping students understand what makes water safe to drink. Through these moments, the Ethiopia 2025 WASH Survey is building awareness, curiosity, and future advocates for water safety.
Partnerships That Strengthen Impact
Asmahan Rabo, Mike Hewitt, and Abubakar Bette of Needs4Water meet with Dr. Solomon Yared of Jijiga University, whose research on mosquito-borne diseases highlights the vital connection between WASH and public health. We’re especially grateful to Dr. Solomon for organizing three Somali-speaking university students to support our surveys in Jijiga. His support reflects the power of academic partnerships in deepening community engagement and ensuring local voices lead local solutions.
Assessing WASH at Yeka School
At Yeka Kindergarten and Elementary School in Addis Ababa, the Needs4Water team completed student and staff surveys on water, sanitation, and hygiene experiences. Our volunteers also assessed infrastructure and conducted water quality testing for physical, chemical, and bacteriological parameters. These early findings will help guide future improvements. This visit builds on groundwork laid by Asmahan Rabo, who first visited the school in February 2024 to initiate early engagement and planning.
Taking a Well-Deserved Rest
After a full week of school visits, water testing, and interviews across Addis Ababa, the Needs4Water team takes a break at the beautiful Kuriftu Resort & Spa on Lake Bishoftu. Abubakar Batte, Jemal Taha, Asmahan Rabo, Mike Hewitt, Peter Ptah, and Daniel Kiprotich share a moment of laughter after kayaking. Tomorrow marks the start of Week Two, when the team will split into two groups to cover new geographic areas and continue with the WASH surveys.
Ready to Listen, Ready to Learn
At Akkaadaamii Taayimsi Chooyisin Secondary School in the Bishoftu region, the Needs4Water team sets up their interview area for the day’s WASH survey. With clipboards ready and questions in hand, the team creates a space where students can speak openly about their experiences with water, sanitation, and hygiene. These conversations are at the heart of the WASH Survey Ethiopia 2025, because real solutions begin with listening.
Eyerusalem
Eyerusalem Primary School supported Project 12 with WASH data collection and water testing, guiding improvements for nearly 1,500 students and contributing to national school sanitation insights.
Learning from What Works
At Etege Menen Girls Boarding Middle & Secondary School in Addis Ababa, Asmahan Rabo leads a Water Insecurity Experience Scale (WISE) session with students as part of the Needs4Water WASH survey. By listening to their experiences, we celebrate what’s working and identify how to keep improving. Safe water, strong infrastructure, and student engagement build the foundation for lasting impact.
Kokebe Tsibah
Kokebe Tsibah Secondary and Preparatory School, home to 2,362 students and 250 staff, provided a critical setting for Needs4Water to conduct WASH surveys and infrastructure assessments. Our team gathered firsthand insights from students and staff and performed on-site water quality testing to evaluate safety and access. Listening closely, testing thoroughly, and identifying opportunities for change—this is how Project 12 moves forward. The work here helps shape practical solutions that can scale across Ethiopia’s school system.
A Historic Start for Project 12
The Needs4Water team is on the move! Today we begin our WASH survey at Menelik II School, Ethiopia’s first modern school, founded in 1908 by Emperor Menelik II. With over 2,260 students, this historic institution is a fitting place to launch Project 12. We’re honored to start our work here, gathering data that will help improve water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions for students across the country.
Needs4Water WASH Survey
The team is all here! 🌍✈️ After months of preparation, our WASH professionals and researchers from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Canada have arrived in Addis Ababa. Today marks Day 1 of the Needs4Water WASH Survey, a collaborative effort to assess water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions in schools across Ethiopia.
Understanding Water Through Their Perspective
At Hussein Gire Primary School in Jijiga, Asmahan Rabo of Needs4Water conducts the Water Insecurity Experience Scale (WISE) with a group of students. Their voices offer more than data—they reveal how water access affects their well-being, focus, and dignity at school. By creating a safe space for honest conversation, the Ethiopia 2025 WASH Survey ensures that girls' experiences inform meaningful, student-centered solutions for cleaner, safer learning environments across the Somali region.
About Us
Almaquin Enterprises specializes in providing comprehensive water and wastewater management solutions that guarantee compliance water for various applications, both domestic and industrial.
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