By: Yitbarek Tekalign
In a vibrant ceremony that brought together officials, educators, and community members, the Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) proudly inaugurated an array of community-enhancing projects in Sululta and Mana Abichu sub-cities of Shaggar City yesterday. The event marked a celebratory culmination of GTF’s Integrated WASH Sululta Project, an ambitious project aimed at transforming urban living through WaSH initiatives.
Officials from the Oromia Region, Shaggar City Administration, and Suluta and Mana Abichu sub-cities joined the GTF management team and staff to celebrate this milestone. With heartfelt speeches, guided tours, and moments of reflection, the ceremony showcased the tangible impact of the Foundation’s work.
One of the highlights was the inauguration of an 8-seat latrine at Babo Wale Ilu Primary School. The facility, equipped with handwashing basins and a water storage system, replaces an inadequate structure that previously posed significant challenges for students and staff. The school community: students, teachers, and parents were jubilant, with many expressing gratitude for the improved hygiene and learning environment.
“This latrine is not just a structure; it is a foundation for dignity and health,” said a teacher at the school. The excitement of the students, some of whom eagerly explored the new facility, underscored the project’s importance.
In Mana Abichu and Sululta sub-cities, the focus shifted to renewable energy with the launch of five biogas digesters for model households. “Each digester is a powerhouse of sustainability,” remarked Mr. Teklu Hailu, Healthcare, Environment, and WASH Program Officer at GTF. The digesters convert waste into clean energy and organic fertilizer, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 3102 tons annually per unit while lessening dependence on firewood.
Education also took center stage with the unveiling of a reading park at Sululta Secondary School. Nestled in a serene corner of the school, the park provides students with a dedicated space to immerse themselves in books. “This is more than a park; it is a portal to a brighter future,” said Mr. Iyobed Yonas, Program Director at GTF, who encouraged students to make full use of the space to enhance their academic performance.
In a notable gesture of support for local cleaning workers, GTF provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and tools to 100 waste collectors. Dubbed “waste heroes” for their dedication to keeping the city clean and safe, these workers received items such as gloves, boots, vest, trolly and tools essential for their work. Both the waste heroes and the employees of the sub-cities applauded GTF for this vital support, expressing their appreciation for the Foundation’s commitment to their well-being and the city’s cleanliness.
The celebration also spotlighted sustainability through a vermicomposting initiative led by ten model households. This initiative transforms waste into nutrient-rich compost, promoting sustainable agriculture and innovative waste management practices. Participants in the program shared their successes.
Interactive sessions with beneficiaries further enriched the day. Community members and officials alike praised the initiatives as transformative, with one representative from the Oromia Regional Bureau lauding GTF’s holistic approach to development. “This is not just progress; it is a blueprint for how we can build resilient communities together,” the official noted.
As the day concluded, the call to action was clear: scale up these life-changing projects to ensure more communities benefit from their far-reaching impact. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration among local governments, NGOs, and residents in driving sustainable development.
GTF’s unwavering commitment to empowering communities and fostering positive change shines brightly through these initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on Sululta and Mana Abichu sub-cities, and a legacy of hope for generations to come.
