In the last quarter of 2024, Water for Good’s Chief Development Officer, Seda Arzumanyan, traveled to Ethiopia to experience firsthand the life-changing impact of our WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs. Her journey offered a glimpse into the heart of our work, from strategic leadership discussions to the remarkable changes taking root in rural communities.
Seda began her trip in Addis Ababa, where she attended the Global Leadership Annual Meeting. Senior leaders and Country Directors came together to reflect on the progress made since Water for Good’s merger with Lifewater International, celebrate key milestones, and to strategize for the future.
“It’s incredible to come together and reflect on how far we’ve come,” Seda shared during the meeting. “But there’s still so much work ahead in transforming communities through safe water.”
Vision of a Healthy Village in Action
From Addis Ababa, Seda traveled to the heart of Water for Good’s program areas to witness the Vision of a Healthy Village (VHV) approach in action. This initiative equips local leaders to educate families on safe water, hygiene, and sanitation by visiting each home in the community.
In Bensa, a vibrant community transformed by the VHV approach, students, teachers, and leaders welcomed Seda and was eager to share their stories. Access to clean water has freed children from the daily chore of fetching unsafe water and spared them from the illnesses it often caused. Now, they can attend school regularly and dream about their futures.
“Seeing the impact firsthand here in Bensa is inspiring,” Seda shared. “Children can focus on their education and dream big for their futures.”
In nearby villages, Seda met women whose lives now hold more opportunity for hope and joy. Without the daily burden of walking hours to fetch water, they can care for their families, enhance their farms, and build stronger communities. One woman explained, “Before the water project, I walked long distances for water. Now, I can spend more time on my farm and with my family.”
The ripple effects of clean water were evident everywhere Seda visited. Schools, homes, and communities are thriving in ways that were unimaginable before.
Gratitude and Hope
Seda’s journey concluded in Dodola, where she visited a primary school that now benefits from clean water and improved sanitation facilities. Teachers shared how waterborne illnesses have plummeted since the project began, allowing students to focus on learning while staying healthy. A local leader explained, “We’ve seen a significant drop in illnesses, especially among children.”
Throughout her trip, Seda took time to record heartfelt messages of gratitude for the donors and field staff who make these transformations possible. Capturing scenes of children washing their hands, women tending their farms, and families gathering at water points, she emphasized the profound impact of their contributions.
“To our incredible donors and dedicated field staff, thank you,” Seda said. “Because of your generosity and hard work, these communities now have safe water, better health, and brighter futures. Together, we’re changing lives.”
During her time in Ethiopia, Seda saw the incredible power of community and partnership. The mission of Water for Good is simple but profound: to bring safe, reliable water to the places that need it most. Every story she witnessed was a testament to the transformative difference this work continues to make.
Join Us in Uganda in June 2025!
Interested in seeing Water for Good’s work up close? Join us for a vision trip to Uganda in June 2025! For more information, email info@waterforgood.org before April 1, 2025 to learn more.
