COWASH IV Concludes Overseas Training Program for Staff
COWASH IV has successfully concluded its final round of overseas training programs, which aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of its staff. Since January 2024, the project has conducted a series of trainings in Nairobi, Kenya, focusing on various aspects of WASH implementation.
The latest training, concluded on December 6, 2024, focused on “Project Management and Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation(M&E) System Development” and was conducted by the Africa School of Project Management, which also delivered all previous training programs for COWASH IV staff. Nine M&E specialists from the project participated in this training.
This training marks the sixth and final round of overseas training conducted by COWASH IV. Previous training programs covered topics of Gender and Disability Analysis and Mainstreaming, Sustainable WASH Solutions, Transformative Social and Behavioral Change Communication, Climate Resilient WASH Programming and Financial Management and Auditing of Donor-Funded Projects. A total of 52 COWASH IV staff have participated in these training programs.
Bertukan Asmamaw, Office Management Assistant at COWASH IV, emphasized that the training programs have been crucial for building team capacity and fostering a strong team spirit.” In addition, the training programs equipped the staff with enhanced knowledge and skills, enabling them to effectively integrate these learnings into their work, ultimately benefiting the project’s efforts to enhance WASH service delivery to rural communities across Ethiopia. Ebsa Feysia, Social Behavioral Change Specialist at COWASH IV, highlighted that one of the key benefits of the training was the opportunity to learn from presentations by Kenyan government institutions, including the Water and Health ministries. He stated, ‘We gained valuable insights into WASH policies in both Ethiopia and Kenya and a deeper understanding of new concepts and technologies within the WASH sector. Ermiyas Reta, a WASH SLA Specialist, agreed stating that the training provided them with a comprehensive understanding of the WASH sector and helped them to discover innovative approaches to water and sanitation.
COWASH IV remains committed to investing in its human capital, ensuring that all staff possess the expertise and skills necessary to drive inclusive and sustainable development.
COWASH IV: Restoring Sanitation Product Supply Chains in Tigray
In a significant step towards restoring the supply chain for plastic toilet slaps in post-conflict Tigray, COWASH IV facilitated the purchase and distribution of 100 medium plastic toilet slaps. In mid-December 2024, the project purchased the toilet slaps from Silafrica in Addis Ababa and distributed them to market-based sanitation centers (MBSCs) in Degua Tembien and Endamekoni Woredas.
This initiative aims to strengthen supply chains, improve access to sanitation products for COWASH IV community water point beneficiary households, and support the growth of local businesses by empowering MBSCs. It is crucial for the long-term success of WASH interventions in Tigray, says Mulatie Yinager, COWASH IV’s Medium and Small Enterprise and Microfinance Institutions Specialist. “By strengthening the supply chain, we’re ensuring that communities have access to the materials they need to improve their sanitation and hygiene practices,” adds Mulatie. This action underscores the project’s commitment to not only providing WASH services but also supporting a comprehensive sanitation landscape in post-conflict Tigray.
COWASH, which has been operating in Tigray since 2011, resumed WASH activities in the region under its current fourth phase, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Finance and the Tigray Bureau of Finance in June 2023. Recognizing the need for post-conflict recovery, the project has focused on rehabilitation and capacity building across its 12 operational Woredas.
COWASH IV in Benishangul Gumuz and Tigray
The COWASH IV project is making significant progress in improving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in rural Ethiopia. Among the eight regions where the project is working, Benishangul Gumuz and Tigray have been part of the project since its early phases.
COWASH began operating in Tigray during its first phase in 2011 initially covering the then Ofla and Enda Mokoni Woredas. By its third phase, the project had expanded to seven Woredas. In the post-conflict period, COWASH IV was the first project to bring WASH finance to the region. Following the peace agreement in Tigray, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Finance and the Tigray Bureau of Finance on 02 June 2023 enabled the project to commence work in the region. Recognizing the need for post-conflict recovery, the project focused on rehabilitation and capacity building across the 12 project Woredas now covered.
In Benishangul Gumuz, COWASH began work during its Second Phase in 2013, initially covering four woredas. Within a year, the project expanded to include five additional woredas, bringing the total to nine. Currently, COWASH IV operates in four woredas of the region: Bambasi, Oda Bildigilu, Undulu, and Pawe.
Since its launch in these two regions, COWASH IV has facilitated the rehabilitation of 243 community water points, benefiting around 68,346 people. In addition, the project constructed and rehabilitated water points in 24 school and in 6 health facilities. The Project also constructed a school menstrual hygiene management center in Tigray. Aiming to promote sustainable WASH practices, the project has delivered capacity-building training to around 6,148 people in both regions.
By addressing critical WASH needs, COWASH IV is not only improving public health but also empowering communities and fostering sustainable development in rural Ethiopia.