Thursday's Report from Qanqo

Today we visited a massive project in Qanqo.   This reservoir has two branches with the longest one running about 1.8km down down the mountain.   In total, we have restored the 30 year old spring, built six reservoirs, five water points, five washing tables, five cattle troughs and supplied the school with a bank of four taps for drinking and washing hands and faces .  1300 people have been supplied with water in addition to some school children who come from homes that we have not supplied

The most amazing story from today is from the school.   One of the head teachers told us that not only are the children healthier, but some children who had given up going to school because they had to spend too much time collecting water from so far away, have gone back to school.   These kids have recommenced their education.   This is amazing.   So children who were going to grow into illiterate adults with limited choices, have a different life awaiting them if they choose.    

Further down the mountainside, the people were so appreciative because it had been so far for them to walk to collect water - the children missed a lot of school and they also had problems with the hyenas attacking them.   Everyone’s health has improved and people are happy.   We had a very loud celebratory meal - boiled potatoes with a buttery garlic sauce, roasted dried peas and honeycomb.   I was given a beautiful garvi - a traditional white cotton shawl that both men and women wear for special occasions - they are highly treasured.

This area is quite remote - maybe not on Australian standards but certainly for here.   It’s a day’s drive from Addis Ababa to Wolaita Sodo, then about an 80 minute drive to Dalbaza, then a two hour walk over difficult terrain just to the start of the project.    Some of this we were able to do  by motor bike today so that we could cut the time down which was really appreciated.   The elevation is between 1900 and 2300 metres ASL and it is INCREDIBLY steep.   Even the local guys were having to stop frequently to rest.   Some places I was climbing up rocky outcrops hand over hand.   But always there would be a hand held out to help me.    

We met so many people today and all of them are so appreciative for how we have assisted them.   There was a lot of dancing and chanting from the communities and from the school as they welcomed us.  Everyone is so amazed because no other charitable organisation has ever been to this area.  The government also does not go here.  It’s seen as too isolated, too far to go, too difficult to access, too hard.  I’m glad that it is not too hard for WFAV or for the water office and contractor with whom we have formed what I would say is a friendship and a bond to improve people's lives.  

 Today I saw what is termed some ‘standing stones’ - an ancient cultural relic.   Apparently only one other foreigner has ever seen it and that was 30 years ago.  I was honoured.

Tomorrow is our last day here.   We will go back to Qanqo to see the second part of the project we have built and to talk to some or our remaining customers.   

Catherine

This is a school at Qanqo.

The children greeted us with a song about water and how it makes them healthy and able to go to school.