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Transferring project ownership Transferring project ownership to the local people is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today. In 1994, Medical Mission Sisters began a community-based development program in Dire, near Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. Its aim was to help supply water to the people of the area, and to provide health care and training for community development.
Our project agreement with the government expired at the end of November, 2005. It also was time to turn the project over to the local people. "It was a beautiful occasion in many ways, as well as a poignant one, as the people of Dire were clearly sad to see us go," says Sister Audrey Hathaway, Office Administrator. Over the 11 years of our involvement, the project brought electricity to the people in the area. 93% of them now also have clean, potable water. A health care clinic and outreach program serve the community. Traditional birth attendants and health promoters have been trained. An office building was built, and is very well-utilized.
Many practical training programs have also been given, covering such topics as: leadership development; home economics for women and girls; natural family planning; awareness of harmful cultural practices; small business training; making simple latrines; and constructing improved stoves from cement and red ash. Meetings are held with women's groups and a young farmers group. An AIDS club was started at the school, with a drama group for health teaching. Although the program did not specifically target the education of children, its impact in this area has been remarkable. "The student enrollment was 180 when the project began," our Sisters recall. "It is now well over 2000, since children are no longer needed to carry water for their families or travel with the cattle to ponds or rivers. There is a library, a laboratory, and adequate offices and storage rooms. The school is being upgraded from Grade 4 to Grade 8 and may even be upgraded to Grade 10 (completion of secondary school in Ethiopia), if the community so wishes." Even though our active involvement with the project has come to an end, our Sisters' prayers will always be with the people. "We pray they will expand what we began."
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