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In Whom Does Lifewater Invest?
Whose potential inspires Lifewater field trainers to volunteer so much of their time and money? Who attends the courses that they teach? I recently had the opportunity to meet Community Health through Hygiene trainees in Ethiopia and see why field trainers are so inspired to continue volunteering their service. Here are brief profiles of three of the sixteen participants:
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Teketel
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Teketel, the only participant over the age of forty, is a nurse. After years of practicing traditional, top-down teaching methods, he is trying hard to learn new ways of participatory training and manages to maintain a sense of humor through the awkward transition. When Teketel practices facilitating lessons in a participatory manner—which includes remaining seated—he leans forward with his feet under his chair, tempted to stand and lecture. Teketel’s love for his people is manifested in his willingness to humble himself and learn. In his lifetime Teketel has saved many lives, and he shows no signs of slowing down now.
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Mulu
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Mulu gains only a few inches when she stands from her chair, but when she speaks she commands the room. She has worked with one of Lifewater’s Ethiopian partners for many years, training countless people in ways to improve their health through safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. Mulu’s vast experience and knowledge are apparent as she practices teaching lessons. Just as valuable is the way she encourages and trains other trainers, bringing the group together through laughter and song. When she sings, which she does often, her love for God and God’s people shines.
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Belaynesh
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Belaynesh is a tall, thin woman with glasses perpetually perched low on her nose. She wears trendy skirt suits and often finds herself defending her employer, the government, from accusations of being slow and unreliable. She attends the training as part of a unique program in Ethiopia that brings government and church workers together as they help their people. It has given Lifewater’s Ethiopian partners, both large evangelical churches, a unique opportunity to demonstrate integrity and love to their Orthodox and Muslim colleagues as they serve the poor together. On the last day of class, Belaynesh comes early to bring our team gifts of bracelets and scarves. The bracelet she gave me sits on my desk and reminds me to pray for those who serve the people of Ethiopia.
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