Clean Water, Cancer Care, and Compassion in Ethiopia
Written by Geir Frivold, May 18, 2025
A Pre-Dawn Start
Today began before sunrise at the outskirts of Addis Ababa. With the rest of the household still asleep—and the front door refusing to unlock—I quietly climbed out the window to meet my driver and head to the airport.
At the airport, I met Dr. Feven Tesfay, a dedicated young physician and the country director for Wings of Healing, one of our key local partners. (Her inspiring personal story deserves—and will receive—its own blog post soon.)
Into the Sidama Region
After a short flight to Hawassa and a two-hour drive on increasingly rough dirt roads, we arrived in a remote village in the Sidama region. We were joined by regional government officials and Samson, a skilled and passionate water engineer who is leading several clean water initiatives in collaboration with Wings of Healing.
What greeted us was extraordinary.
Hundreds of villagers had gathered in joyful celebration. Tribal leaders led us through singing, dancing, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude. The atmosphere was electric—humbling, moving, and unforgettable.
Clean Water for the First Time
Their joy was centered on a life-changing milestone: access to clean water.
Thanks to a newly completed gravity-fed water system, clean water is now flowing to over 10,500 people across five different locations—including the village school and the health clinic that serves a regional population of 30,000.
Samson and his team not only built the system, but ensured its sustainability. Local residents have been trained to manage and maintain the infrastructure, and regional officials—who provided transportation to the village—are proud partners in the effort.
A Shared Meal and a Message of Thanks
Following speeches, a traditional coffee ceremony, and the cutting of Yehbesha dabbo (a festive bread), we were invited to a feast prepared by local women. I politely passed on the raw milk yogurt but sampled a unique local delicacy made from banana palm roots.
The emotion in the air was palpable. For these villagers, clean water is not just a convenience—it’s life-changing.
When invited to speak, I made it clear that this gift was not from me, but from you—the generous donors who made this project possible. I only wish you could have been there to witness the joy firsthand.
This is just the first of seven safe water projects THAF is supporting in 2025.
A Sanctuary for Cancer Patients
On the return to Hawassa, Dr. Feven and Dr. Helina, her former classmate, showed me a humble yet profoundly moving new project: A 'home' for cancer patients receiving treatment at the local hospital.
Run by Wings of Healing, this converted home now offers 16 beds to out-of-town patients who would otherwise sleep outdoors or in a shack between chemotherapy or radiation sessions.
The home is squeaky clean, the staff professional, calm and exuding compassion. Inspired by Mother Teresa, the staff provide not just lodging but emotional and spiritual care, massages, hair washing and braiding, nourishing meals and nursing care. Some patients stay for days; others, for months. A few have passed away there—surrounded by care and dignity.
The entire operation—including rent, staff salaries, food, and basic medications—runs on an annual budget of just $30,000. While THAF has not yet been asked to support this project, I was deeply moved by the selfless service I witnessed.
Your Donations at Work
Days like this give me immense satisfaction. As a board member and chair of THAF, I carry the sacred responsibility of ensuring your gifts are used wisely and effectively.
What I saw today confirms our mission is being carried out with integrity, professionalism, and passion. Our local partners view their work as a calling—and they are involving communities and authorities in meaningful, sustainable ways.
These are high-impact investments—preventing waterborne illness and promoting health, dignity, and hope for some of the world’s most marginalized communities.
If you feel inspired to support this work, you can click here to donate
THAF Water Projects Planned for 2025:
