World Minded
Common River nominated as World-Minded Humanitarians of the Year.
Tsegaye Bekele and Donna Sillan have been honored by World-Minded, the Humanitarian of the Year for 2009.
Please visit the website for more information: World Minded
To help out this wonderful cause click here to buy a World Minded “Coffee” t-shirt and 10% of your purchase will be donated to their organization.
View Marin IJ Article.
Positive Deviance Approach:
In every community, there are individuals
whose unique (“deviant”) behaviors create better (“positive”)
results than their neighbor with the exact same resources. Common River’s
Mission is to amplify these methods for full community success.
Through the positive deviance approach we assist the community to discover
those behaviors that are working effectively today among some and share
them with the others. It is naturally sustainable and culturally appropriate
since the solution lies within the community.
Common River provides a direct and personal link to a rural Ethiopian community. We facilitate dialogue between children of Aleta Wondo and their peers in other places. We believe each can learn from the other. We encourage a long-term relationship, so that we not only grow up together, but grow closer together. Eco-lodges (traditional Sidama huts) will be available on the property for visitors and volunteers.
© 2006-2010 Common River
Design byGreen
Temple Design
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
To invest in the socio-economic potential and well-being
of a community through integrated development using the 'Positive Deviance'
approach in education, health and livelihoods.
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.