As Rotary commemorated World Water Day on March 22 and Water Sanitation and Hygiene month in March, the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa West closed an important chapter with the completion of its fifth and final active global grant in 2026.
At a cost of $37,600, this final phase reached five public schools and benefited 5,500 students by expanding access to clean water systems, handwashing facilities, and improved toilet facilities.
Commissioning took place at Black Lion Secondary School on March 21, in the presence of Rotary of Addis Ababa West and Entoto Past President Zerihoun, school administration, teachers and Splash International staff.
The event kicked off with a demonstration of the installed wash stations with both handwashing and clean drinking water designated by the Rotary colors with handwashing tutorials placed to educate the students. Splash International walked attendees through the filtration system connected enabling clean water access for drinking and washing connected to the systems.
Remarks were also made by Rotary Club of Addis Ababa West President Abenezer Feleke, Past President Asfaw Ayelign project focal point, Director of the school Ato Belay and Country Director of Splash International Ato Baraki Zesselasi.
For the past 10 years, the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa West’s Water Sanitation and Hygiene project has helped transform school communities by delivering something every child deserves: access to clean drinking water, safe sanitation, and healthy learning environments. This milestone comes as the club marks its 35 years of service in 2026.
The project is a demonstration of how a long-term partnership, shared commitment, and targeted investment can create lasting change for school communities. Additional discussions took place on how the club can ensure sustainability by involving the city administration and government backing.
What began as a vision initiated by Past President Asfaw Ayelign in 2013 grew into a decade of sustained service and measurable impact. Through five Rotary Global Grants, with a total investment of more than $482,000, the project reached 33 schools and improved the lives of more than 55,000 students.
This achievement was made possible through the commitment and collaboration of Rotary clubs in Ethiopia, the United States, Canada, and Europe. The initiative was led by the Rotary Club of Addis Ababa West, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lake Union, USA, and implemented together with Splash International.