The nine-year-old Maharifa lives in a small village at the foot of the Kollo Siri volcano at an altitude of 1,100 metres. Kollo Siri lies in the Illubabor region in south-western Ethiopia. Menschen für Menschen has been involved here since 2004. Since this time a lot has changed for Maharifa and the other inhabitants:

Like all children, the nine-year-old is expected to perform arduous tasks to help her family. One of these is fetching water, "a woman's work" in Ethiopia. Before Menschen für Menschen launched its projects in Kollo Siri, fetching water was a arduous daily activity. Up until then the nearest source of water was the distant River Dedessa. Like all girls, petite Maharifa was required to fill her water jugs and carry over 20 litres back to the village - every day. After this long working day, going to school was inconceivable.

The meagre water supply had further disastrous consequences. Because the river, besides household supplies, was also used for bathing, washing and watering animals, its water was everything but clean. Many inhabitants fell sick from the polluted water. Due to the poor standard of medical care even easily treatable gastroenteritis was often life-threatening. Menschen für Menschen recognised this catastrophic situation and is now helping the inhabitants of Kollo Siri to improve their living conditions. For instance, a rainwater collecting pond was constructed close to the village. And at last Maharifa and the other children have time to go to school.

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