Nancy, Larry, Aidan, and Paige East Hello from the US! We hope all is well in Aleta Wondo if you are still there! We cannot thank you enough for allowing us to visit for the day and the experience is one we will never forget. I actually blogged about it and wanted to share it with you as I took so many photos of the children that you might want to have. They all left quite an impact on each of us, as did the both of you. We will continue to advocate for Common River and we still are planning to make a donation to the children's lunch program. If you want to see the photos and such, this is thelink to the page where I write about our day with you. Take good care and know that our experience created a lasting impression on our hearts and souls.

Common River

Welcome to Aleta Wondo in the beautiful coffee-rich region of Sidama (in Ethiopia - the birthplace of coffee)! We are a 501(c)(3) non-governmental organization based in Mill Valley, California, USA. COMMON RIVER's goal is to create balanced, productive and self-sustaining communities for others to witness and replicate.

The Eco-Lodge and Community Center

Mission

· Our MISSION is to create balanced, productive and self-sustaining communities for others   to witness and replicate.

· Our GOAL is to enhance the well-being of orphaned and vulnerable children through basic   education, health and livelihood development.

· Our OBJECTIVE is to invest in the socio-economic potential and well-being of a   community through integrated development using the 'Positive Deviance' approach.

Master Plan

Lara Dutto, an architect, who lives in Lafayette, CA volunteered at Common River in April 2010. She facilitated the “Mural Project” whereby Common River students painted a large mural of Common River’s project site through their own eyes. It is a beautiful painting, which clearly depicts the program. Upon adopting her Ethiopian daughter, Genet, in July 2011, Lara produced a Master Plan for Common River in her honor. It provides a graphic vision of Common River’s Master Plan. We are grateful for Lara’s generous contribution to the program in visioning with our students, through the mural project , as well as with our staff, through the development of the master plan. She is a gifted artist, who she is able to involve and share her talents with others. Thanks to Lara for two magnificent masterpieces! ( CMD/Ctrl+ to enlarge)

Common River Believes. . .

It takes indigenous INDUSTRY to build economic security. It takes EDUCATION to empower generations to be innovative. It takes ENTREPRENEURS, women in particular, to fund worthy ideas. It takes ESSENTIAL HEALTH CARE to diligently work, study and thrive. It takes ENVIRONMENTAL infrastructures to create sustainability. It takes INVESTORS to create motivation, accountability & success!

The Common River Village

"Wondo" seeks those willing to invest and work together towards a sustainable future with a true sense of partnership. This village has distinguished coffee production and untapped human resources making it the ideal model for COMMON RIVER's community development, creating community socio-economic wellness.

Common River's Community Development Site
(20 acres)

Classroom Completed in March 2008

Kieu in Wondo

Chasing Maya Classroom with Sponsored Kids

Uniforms donated by Common River
to students of Aleta Wondo Elementary School

The History of Common River

 View PDFhere.