Project 11 at Jaarraa Abbaa Gadaa Primary School in Shegger Suburb, Oromia, served as the pilot site for a national effort to evaluate and improve WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure in 25 schools across Ethiopia’s Oromia, Addis Ababa, Somali, and South Ethiopia regions. This foundational project was co-developed by Asmahan Rabo (Needs4Water) and Mike Hewitt (Almaquin Enterprises) and formally launched during the initial site visit on April 26, 2024.

Serving 939 students, the school faced critical WASH deficiencies:

• Unsafe drinking water: Piped water was only available three days per week and tested positive for nitrate, nitrite, and lead
• Toilet failures: Only 6 of 16 toilets were usable, and flush systems were inoperable due to lack of water
• Hygiene barriers: No soap or water at handwashing stations; no structured cleaning schedule; hand hygiene was rare
• Special needs gaps: The school lacked adequate WASH access for students with disabilities

Needs4Water responded swiftly with targeted interventions:

• Funded two cleaners for six months
• Trained a staff member to oversee WASH implementation
• Established a student-led environmental club to promote hygiene ownership
• Supported farming as a revenue-generating activity for school improvements
• Conducted water quality testing and public health education

A follow-up visit on July 31, 2024, brought together the school director, assistant director, parent representatives, and internally displaced persons (IDP) leaders to review progress and co-develop future goals. The meeting included:

• Zemzem Abdulrahim (IDP committee leader & school rep)
• Tesfaye Turunaa (school rep), Siraj Ibrahim (IDP chief)
• Kalid Abajihad, Abdulkarim Abdirahman, Amit Kubar (IDP committee)
• Asmahan Rabo (Needs4Water founder)
• Jibril Ali (Needs4Water East Africa rep)

The team assessed WASH facility upgrades and discussed integrating hygiene education with farming practices to reinforce financial sustainability. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of community ownership and the school’s role as a demonstration site.

Selected by the Oromia Regional Government for infrastructure improvements, Jaarraa Abbaa Gadaa now benefits from:

• A new drainage wall, waste bins, playground, library, and science lab
• Active parental engagement in school hygiene and farm management
• A clear model for sustainable school-based WASH programs

Project 11 established the operational template for the Ethiopia 2025 WASH Survey, proving that localized solutions grounded in data, partnerships, and student leadership can catalyze systemic improvement.

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