Muna

At her school in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 13-year-old Muna is a force of positivity and bravery. Living with her parents, sister, and older brother, Muna finds joy in activities like playing football with friends and helping others. One of her proudest moments is guiding a visually impaired teacher to her home, a task that fills her with fulfillment.

But beyond her kindness and playful spirit, Muna is a leader in her school’s hygiene club, determined to make a difference.

A Passion for Learning and Leadership

Muna's friends say she is a good public speaker and isn't afraid of anything. She wants to become a doctor to help reduce maternal deaths during labor, a goal driven by her compassion and dedication.

“I like helping people with disabilities,” Muna says. “It gives me satisfaction.”

Muna’s love for her native language, Amharic, shines in her schoolwork. But her commitment extends beyond the classroom.

Before Splash: Struggles with Clean Water

Accessing clean water was a challenge before Splash came to her school. Muna recalls how students would rely on water brought from home or from unsanitary storage tanks.

“I used to bring water from home,” she explains. “And some students used water from storage tanks.”

At home, her family relies on municipal water, boiling it when necessary to ensure it’s safe.

Transformative Learning

Since Splash installed water filters and taps for clean drinking water and improved sanitation facilities at her school, Muna has embraced her role in the hygiene club wholeheartedly. The club teaches students about water treatment, hygiene practices, and the importance of handwashing. Muna is particularly proud of helping other students understand the value of these practices through songs, poems, and presentations during school events.

She uses her break time and lunchtime to demonstrate proper hygiene habits, serving as a role model for younger students.

“I try to show them practically by being a role model,” she shares.

Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others

Muna’s leadership in the hygiene club isn’t without challenges. She’s faced resistance from older students who are hesitant to follow her guidance. But her solution is simple and effective: turning to teachers for support when needed.

Despite these hurdles, Muna remains steadfast in her commitment to promoting hygiene and cleanliness. She feels proudest when she sees her classmates understanding the importance of washing their hands.

“I am happy to see students getting information and understanding the value of washing their hands,” Muna says.

Looking Ahead

Muna’s involvement in the hygiene club has also opened her eyes to menstrual hygiene, a topic she previously felt uncertain about. Through practical training from her teachers, she now feels prepared and empowered to manage her own health and support others.

“I understand more about menstrual hygiene now,” she explains. “I’m glad Splash built these infrastructures. I will make sure they are properly used so my little sister will have the chance to have clean water.”

Splash’s work at Mezgebe Birhan KG and Primary School is helping students like Muna build a healthier, brighter future. And for Muna, the lessons she learns today are the foundation for the compassionate doctor she dreams of becoming tomorrow.