From the Director’s Desk:
Dear friends,
Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing mothers (and girls) run down to a river with their children on their back, collect contaminated water and hike up a hill to their huts. We can help put an end to this situation. I shared the photo below to a few friends and was able to raise $14,200 thus far. I am coming to you with this need. This will be the last time I will be asking you to help with a big project. I promise! During this holiday season of giving, please consider giving to these villagers. No gift is too small. Thank you!
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.
I don’t need to say much about the picture below. It speaks for itself. Just look at her face, the child on her back and her dress soaked in the contaminated water. I will leave the rest to your imagination.
A mother is collecting contaminated water.
(See page 4 on how to give and change her life).
A Few Facts:
• Estimated cost is between $60,000 and $77,252 by the time Phase I and Phase II are completed.
• Residents in Kogne village, four other surrounding villages and 2 small towns will contribute $45,000 and their labor.
• We informed community leaders that we will try to raise $30,000.
• So far, we have raised $14,200 from friends with whom we shared this picture (thank you). We need $15,800.
• Over 20,000 villagers, 4 schools and two towns will benefit from this project.
• We have completed 2 such water projects in the past: Experienced!
Water source in the mountains.
We use gravity to deliver water.
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Latrine Construction Completed:
We are pleased to report that the long-awaited construction of Edoy Primary school latrine is now complete and provides service to all students and teachers. The front 4 rooms are designated for boys and male teachers while the back 4 rooms are designated for girls and female teachers. Thank you for all your help in making this happen.
A completed latrine at Edoy Elementary
2. Lana Reese Preschool Retrofitting:
We are also pleased to inform you that retrofitting of the Lana Reese Preschool has been completed. The foundation has been reinforced, the exterior walls have been re-plastered with mud, and the attics have been covered.
3. Roben Jirecha Preschool:
Our Preschool in Roben Jirecha now has one more classroom, beautifully constructed with cement blocks. It was delayed for more than 3 years while resolving land ownership issues. We are grateful to you, our donors. Special thanks to Denny and Judy Smith of Paraklete Foundation for donating nearly $9,000 in 2022 to complete this project.
Our Tutoring Program is successful:
Our tutoring program in the new Acheber High School is paying off! This year, three male and one female Acheber High School students passed the national exam and joined 4 year colleges. Thanks to your donations, this is the 2nd successful year we’ve had in helping kids pass the national exam. We have hired 2 tutors: One for the elementary and one for the high school in Acheber, and it is paying off. Thank you for your support!
Parents and community members filled the school’s meeting hall to celebrate this achievement.
One Graduate at a time:
Lemlem Shimelis, Pharmacy
Our High School and College Program coordinator, Begashaw Tsegaye, himself a past EAVO support recipient, informed us Lemlem Shimelis graduated in Pharmacy. Our hope is to help girls like Lemlem have a better future than running to rivers to collect contaminated water.
EAVO’s History in Pictures
The picture that started it all (2005)
Lana & Mary crossing a river during our 2nd trip (2006)
Left to right: Hailu, Lana, Seifu, Jim and Mary at our very
first preschool construction site (2006)
Visiting a family in Roben Jirecha (2006)
Mobile clinic in Gumer, Ethiopia
In front of shops in Merkato, Addis Ababa (2008)
Bob Gross and Lee Jimison, busy at a water Project for
our very first preschool and the community (2008)
