CLIMBER BLOG: Elizabeth Gore
FROM TANZANIA TO ETHIOPIA
Coming off the high of summiting Kilimanjaro, a group of SOTSK climbers loaded a plane, not home to the comfort of the US, but to Ethiopia. Exhausted, sore and bruised, Kenna, Jessica, Santi and I wanted to see firsthand why we just endured a 19,340 foot ascent (and descent).
Arriving in Addis Ababa, we were greeted by our very own village elder, Dr. Zemedkun (Kenna’s dad) and Kenna’s sister, Emerald. It seemed so appropriate to go full circle to where the SOTSK project was born - in the Zemedkun family homeland. On Friday the 15th, we woke early to participate in a site visit hosted by my organization, the UN Foundation. We boarded a small (really small) plane to head west to Jijiga, one of the driest places in the world. Looking out of the plane, I did not see one river, lake or reservoir. Heading into the landing, it took two passes to finally hit the dirt air strip. I should have known something was up when the pilot said out loud, “I wonder if they are going to move the camels off the runway,” before we touched down. Hundreds of curious onlookers rushed the plane as we waited for the UN vehicles to find our exact location. Our guides for the day, UNHCR, the United Nation’s High Commission for Refugees and a beneficiary of SOTSK, would show us the way into the heart of this area, the Kebribeyah refugee camp.
The UNHCR is responsible for 40 million displaced people around the world, half of which do not have adequate access to clean water. The camps they run in Ethiopia are some of the most desperate. Arriving in Kebribeyah, we viewed the Jarrar water supply system that is run by UNHCR, supplying water for both refugees and local Ethiopian people. Prior to the water system being in place, these people lived on a few liters of water per day, which is barely living, while the current system managed by the UNHCR and the local government provides 12 to 15 liters per day per person and for life supporting livestock. The system needs an upgrade to reach the UNHCR minimum standard of 20 liters per person per day. Our technical water engineer and UNHCR employee, Anthony, gave Kenna the financial details needed for the system so we could ask you - the public - to help us fund the upgrade.
Leaving the system, we drove the long, bumpy road to the refugee camp. Our first stop was to visit with a Somali refugee committee which was the first ever headed by a woman. Her initial words resonated with us. “I was never born to be a refugee. We are human beings too.” Although they have water points, we learned of their need for more water in the camps. Then Dr. Zemedkun told the story of the summit group conquering Kilimanjaro for clean water which resulted in a thunderous applause. The group welcomed us to their camp and the primary school, the true highlight of the day. The students exuded hope and confidence for their future. We glanced at each other in that school room and knew that we had to give water to those kids so they could achieve their dreams. Walking through camp, Jessica and I spent time with two women in their homes which were made of wooden sticks, old t-shirts and mud floors. The women told us of their need and how much better life was now that UNHCR has put a water source within 200 meters of their home. Now they hope for up to 20 liters per day per child. Our entire SOTSK team was overwhelmed by the resilience of these people. All they have is each other and their hope to return home, to Somalia, some day. The least we can provide them is safe water. The clinic in the camp sees a lot of water borne diseases, especially the children. This day provided a deep education for us regarding the need for clean water, but also about the solutions that are sustainable.
After thanking the UNHCR, we loaded the plane. I immediately noticed how incredibly quiet everyone was on the SOTSK team. Then one by one each person would mention to me their hope to support the people we saw. How can we bring water to 600,000 people in the most barren part of Africa? With you! We know the solution - we saw it firsthand. We just need your help. Send water today to www.summitonthesummit.com.
- Elizabeth Gore
