Ethiopia

Addis Ababa is among the fastest growing urban areas in the world. Since 1970 the population has tripled in size. The United Nations believes that urban growth in Ethiopia will continue, projecting that by 2030, the total number of urban residents will rise from 13.9 million in 2010 to 28.4 million. This level of growth is always coupled with challenges, challenges that most directly affect the urban poor. It is estimated that over 80% of Addis’ population lives in slum districts with poor infrastructure and very limited access to adequate water and sanitation. Based on the JMP definition of improved sanitation facilities, urban coverage is at a staggeringly low rate of 29%. Water quality and scarcity are a real threat to the health and livelihood of residents in Addis Ababa, and that’s why we’re here. We believe that our technical expertise coupled with a proven, scalable strategy will have positive, lasting affects on the most vulnerable of its citizens.

Strategy

For Splash, water and hygiene work in Ethiopia represents our first attempt on the African continent. Where Splash is escalating toward scale in specific Asian contexts, we are only getting started within an African context. Today, Splash serves over 73,622 children in 62 schools, 9 orphanages, 4 shelters and 3 hospitals. But this is a small number for Splash. We are still learning, assessing, planning and strategizing. As a boon toward this end, Splash has most recently been collaborating with the Addis Ababa Education Bureau and other regional actors to strengthen partnerships and align goals with existing government priorities, all while targeting the largest number of children in the neediest areas.

Partnership

"To achieve the goal we set for Education, students need to get the provision of clean water, health and hygiene education and service. Since Splash’s activities are bringing effective results towards these goals, its action should be strengthened and continuous."

Mr. Amlaku Tebeje

Addis Ababa City Education Bureau