Sirgut

Sirgut is the Kindergarten Coordinator at Atse Libne Dingel Kindergarten School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The school is located in Gulelle sub-city, a northern suburb of Addis Ababa. Many of the families of children who attend this school are low income, and some live on the street or shelter in churches. Hygiene and sanitation is a challenge.

Water flowed at Atse Libne Dingel school before Splash began working there, but it was untreated and therefore not safe to drink. Many students did not have access to clean drinking water at home, either. There were not enough water taps to serve the number of students who attended the school. Furthermore, there was no water storage solution in place in case city water stopped flowing, a not uncommon occurrence.

Splash's programs at Atse Libne Dingel school included water filtration, a sufficient number of taps at specially-designed drinking and handwashing stations, water storage tanks, and hygiene education training.

Sirgut was most excited for students and staff at her school to be able to access clean drinking water whenever they need it. She really enjoys spending time with kids and seeing their growth is fulfilling. There is a saying that a kindergarten teacher never gets old!

Sirgut says the kids understand the age-appropriate hygiene trainings easily, and teachers are able to make them fun by including messages in flag ceremonies or using dolls and stories.

Since Splash began working at Atse Libne Dingel school, Sirgut has noticed a change in the students' behavior. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. She believes the mirrors in the handwashing areas nudge the children to was their hands with soap. Sirgut notes that no students were absent due to disease this school year!

To ensure sustainability, Sirgut says her school administration is planning to allocate a maintenance budget to make sure the installed equipment is safe, clean, and functional.

Sirgut has been the Kindergarten Coordinator at her school for over a decade. She is passionate about her work and playing a role in children's development. She believes that teaching is the basis of their growth and is proud to be part of it.