As the UK returns to lockdown, with children and adults working and learning remotely, international charity WaterAid is offering a series of virtual classes with a difference. The one-minute lessons are taught by residents of Frat, Ethiopia, where WaterAid is working to bring clean water and decent toilets.
As a break from a sweaty P.E. session or a Google classroom, viewers of Learn with Frat can discover Ethiopian culture, engage with the community of Frat, and cultivate new language, culinary and leadership skills.
School principal Mengistu, who has high hopes for all his pupils, is here to teach key phrases in Ethiopian language Amharic. Cafe owner Marima takes viewers through the steps to make injera, the Ethiopian flatbread, and traditional Ethiopian coffee.
There are also lessons on how climate change is impacting those living in Frat; and even leadership tips from one of Frat’s powerhouses, women’s group leader, Hawa.
Hawa moved to Frat as a child after being displaced by drought. Her first memory there is walking the long, hazardous path down the hill to collect water from a dirty river and falling and cracking her head on the rocks. She still has the scar today. Today, she is an inspiring mother and ambitious women’s group leader, and has dedicated much time to helping develop the community in the face of adversity.
This winter, WaterAid is raising money through its Future on Tap appeal to help bring clean water to Frat and other communities around the world. Until 4 February 2021, donations be doubled by the UK government, up to £2 million, making double the difference in climate-vulnerable communities.
With clean water, families can meet their basic needs, stay safe and healthy, have time to go to school or work, and can grow food even when the weather is unpredictable.
Alicia Robinson, Digital Content and Experience Lead at WaterAid said:
“The Learn with Frat series has been designed to give people in the UK the chance to learn a bit about Ethiopian culture and to get to know the wonderful community of Frat. Each film is just one minute long – so they’re great for taking a quick break from daily lockdown activities and learning something new.
“The people of Frat are a diverse community that face many challenges, including a lack of clean water and decent sanitation, which impacts on their lives and livelihoods. But in the face of this adversity, they are always ready to help each other, sharing their skills and resources. They even have a word for acts of kindness, ‘wenfell.’
“Through our Future on Tap appeal, we will bring clean water to the community and many others around the world, helping transform their lives and livelihoods.”
Globally, 785 million – that’s one in ten people – do not have access to clean water, and erratic and extreme weather brought on by climate change is making it much harder for people in the poorest places to access this basic human right. In Ethiopia, nearly two-thirds of the population live without clean water. With this basic resource, people can stay healthy, protect their livelihoods, and build a better future for themselves, whatever tomorrow may bring.
See the full Learn with Frat series and find out more about WaterAid’s Future on Tap appeal at www.wateraid.org/uk/future-on-tap/learn-with-frat.