Fantaye

Fantaye Balcha is the head of janitors and guards at Ye Abeboch Fire Primary School. She has worked at this school for the past seven years. Prior to joining the school, she worked as a kindergarten teacher — she cares deeply for the kids in her community.

“As the head of all janitors and guards at the school, my main responsibilities are monitoring the cleanliness of the school environment, keeping the water facilities clean and functional, and performing or assisting with maintenance if there is any damaged water facility.” Fantaye continues, “I enjoy when I see our school compound clean.”

Fantaye recalls the situation before Splash worked with the school: “There were insufficient handwashing taps compared to the number of students. In addition, water was only available twice per week, and our storage tanks were inadequate.” Fantaye adds, “This situation meant students were unable to get clean drinking water at the school compound, and it made me sad.”

Splash partnered with the school to address these concerns and improve the health and well-being of the students and staff. “The school situation started to change. Water filters, drinking stations, handwashing stations, and water storage tanks with a capacity of 25,000 liters were installed. As a result, students have access to clean drinking water with enough stations near the classrooms and playground,” Fantaye continued.

Although the situation regarding water availability is solved, Fantaye wanted to ensure she could manage the facilities for years to come: “As part of my job, I am responsible for the operations and maintenance of the facilities. I was wondering how I could maintain them if I faced any difficulties.”

“I was invited to the operations and maintenance training provided by Splash,” continued Fantaye. “This eased my worries regarding the concerns I had before. The training consisted of theoretical and practical sessions in which I had the opportunity to both observe and practice what I learned.” Fantaye was “eager” to transfer the knowledge to her colleagues, so she hosted a one-day training at her school to share information with her team of seven.

“I understand the importance of water, and I care for the stations as they are my own,” she adds. “Now, there is no shortage of water, and I have no worries if a problem occurs because I have the capacity to maintain the facilities,” says Fantaye with confidence.

“I want to thank Splash and its partners for providing clean water for kids and the school community,” she concludes. “I hope all schools and kids get the opportunity to have clean water.”