Four Rotarians and a Rotaractor travelled to Ethiopia via Singapore Nov 2025, accompanied by INA's International Programs Manager, Davide De Micheli. We welcome trip participation from Rotary Clubs of Bendigo South, Chelsea and Rotaract Peninsular 2.0 with us.
We travelled to Ethiopia Central Regional State to visit the work in Lemo (Hadiya Zone) and Ezha (Gurage Zone).
We were enthusiastically welcomed at five primary schools where we helped fund improved segregated latrine blocks and hygiene education, thus enabling girls to continue in school longer. Directly impacting 5,400 students and their staff.
We met with the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa, our previous Global Grant partner (The Rotary Foundation), who are keen to keep working together.
We met the Lemo Water committee and learned of their diesel generator/transformer dilemma. Community can't afford the ongoing diesel costs nor the $A10,000 replacement transformer. Thousands without access to safe drinking water. We have requested a proposal.
A number of grateful recipients of household latrines were visited. Co- contribution was made where possible. Resulting in improved dignity, safety and overall community health.
We met the BBBC Board and executive, the local lead partner of International Needs Australia, who with a staff of 54, are implementing projects over 5 sites. We were also exposed to broader aspects of the Lemo and Ezha Integrated Development program, including income generation through farmer education and women's self help groups, health delivery through health posts and health centres and ChildLink. Great work BBBC are doing in Lemo and Ezha at request of the Ethiopia government.
Much hospitality was enjoyed!
Join us on Wednesday January 14 7:30-8:30am, in-person at The Tudor Best Western or online to hear personal impressions and opportunities from the team.
We thank our supporters for continuing to help us bring empowerment and hope through sanitation infrastructure and hygiene education to the marginalised.
Learn more: wecantwait.org.au. November 2025 Newsletter