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# Maji Development Coalition

Solar Power. Clean Water. Women's Empowerment.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://developmaji.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Meeting a Huge Need](https://developmaji.org/meeting-a-huge-need-of-girls-in-maji/) - This year turned rough in March. I’ve struggled with things like evaluating risk, changing my routines, being at home alone an awful lot, and missing my kids and grandkids. I’ll bet you’ve had similar struggles. Here’s an inspiring story from just before the pandemic shut us all down. Enjoy it. And remind yourself, there is
- [Showing Up](https://developmaji.org/partnership-strategy-showing-up/) - In November of 2018, MDC was finishing up paperwork to officially put up the shingle as a nonprofit organization in the US. We were planning an order of solar home systems for electrifying family homes in the Maji District, where the national electric grid doesn’t reach. We had hired Ato (Mr.) Markos to be project
- [MDC—A Beacon of Hope](https://developmaji.org/mdc-a-beacon-of-hope/) - MDC—A Beacon of Hope for the Dizi (deezee) PeopleThe history of the Dizi people of Maji is heartbreaking. An anthropologist wrote, Before the . . . forced incorporation of the Dizi into the Ethiopian empire, the Dizi probably numbered between 50,000 and 100,000. The conquest had profound consequences in the decades which followed—subjection to .
- [In Honor of Women in Maji](https://developmaji.org/in-honor-of-women-in-maji/) - I set out to start a non-profit organization to better lives in the subsistence farming community of Maji. I soon learned that everything I do for the community impacts women disproportionately. This is partly because women touch every part of the life of a farming family. The men in Maji plow, plant and harvest. Their
- [Book Chat Interview with Caroline Kurtz](https://developmaji.org/book-chat-interview-with-caroline-kurtz/) - Caroline was recently interviewed for Book Chat on the Cowlitz County, Washington station KLTV. Alan Rose, a great interviewer, got Caroline talking about her unusual childhood as an Oregonian in Africa, and about the writing of her books set in Ethiopia and South Sudan. The interview is full of interesting stories and bits of history.
- [Update: Siski and Adikas Clean Water Project](https://developmaji.org/update-siski-and-adikas-clean-water-project/) - Fifty percent of our global citizens and neighbors don't have access to clean water. What a shocking fact that is! This number includes most of the population of the rural Maji District. You may remember that one of MDC's earliest interventions was that we replaced the burnt-out pump at the Maji Town well. We followed
- [August Update](https://developmaji.org/august-update/) - Ato Markos reported from rural Maji District this week. At the end of May, work actually began, and this week the crew unspooled pipe and ran it down the hillside to waiting communities. Markos texted, “The people cheered with joy!” I’m going to give you a photo-rich report of the wonderful and shocking progress that
- [October Update - Hooray for Clean Water!](https://developmaji.org/october-update-hooray-for-clean-water/) - Safe Water—For the First Time Ever! In our culture, things change. A new cell phone comes out every eighteen months; a new, slimmer laptop makes the news; a new pedometer that also tracks our sleep health is all the rage. Fashions change faster than we can wear out our clothes. Stores and restaurants open and
- [Thank you donors - Video](https://developmaji.org/thank-you-donors/) - Maji Development Coalition (MDC) is a small but mighty nonprofit. We are bringing safe water, solar power and women's development to a remote corner of rural Ethiopia. " We've brought solar lighting and phone charging to almost a 1,000 homes that were dark when the sun went down. We provided solar and gravity-fed safe water systems
- [Trip Report: May 2024](https://developmaji.org/trip-report-may-2024/) - In May, Chris Bounds, Charley Bounds, Rick Smith, and Tracy Sauerwein of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho traveled with me to Addis Ababa, Mizan, and Maji. The trip goals were: To have members observe and report back to Covenant PC on the work that MDC has accomplished To introduce CPC members to colleagues and
- [An Amazing Story!](https://developmaji.org/an-amazing-story/) - There is progress in Maji for the Women's Development Center! Rebar, cement, plywood and hand tools have been trucked in from the capital and the work has begun
- [Breaking Ground on the Women's Development Center!](https://developmaji.org/breaking-ground-on-the-womens-development-center/) - Something amazing is happening in Maji— The first truckloads of materials arrived for the Women's Development Center! Select here to learn how you can help!
- [Caroline’s Legacy, Our Promise](https://developmaji.org/carolines-legacy-our-promise/) - Caroline first arrived as a young girl as a first grader, when her parents came to help establish a school, a clinic, and a small church in Maji Ethiopia.
- [Lighting the Way: How Solar Power Is Saving Lives and Shaping Futures in Maji](https://developmaji.org/lighting-the-way-how-solar-power-is-saving-lives-and-shaping-futures-in-maji/) - Since 2015, MDC has helped bring solar electricity to hundreds of homes, schools, and—most critically—a rural hospital that now serves over 60,000 people.
- [Building Income, Not Just Walls:  The Economic Impact of the WDC](https://developmaji.org/building-income-not-just-walls-the-economic-impact-of-the-wdc/) - The WDC isn’t just about empowerment. It’s about stability. It’s about creating infrastructure women need to thrive—economically, socially, and generationally.
- [Thank You for Helping Us Build the Future: A Campaign Wrap from Maji](https://developmaji.org/thank-you-for-helping-us-build-the-future-a-campaign-wrap-from-maji/) - Between May 1 and July 15, the MDC launched its most ambitious campaign yet—to fund the final phase of our Women’s Development Center in Maji.
- [What Makes MDC Different: Partnership, Respect, and Results](https://developmaji.org/what-makes-mdc-different-partnership-respect-and-results/) - The Maji Women’s Development Center— We are listening, collaborating, and building something that Maji can carry forward for generations.
- [Building Momentum: Construction Progress on the WDC](https://developmaji.org/building-momentum-construction-progress-on-the-wdc/) - They’re moving fast. With the rainy season on the horizon, construction crews in Maji are working ahead of schedule to bring the WDC to life.
- [A Space of Their Own: How the Women of Maji Will Benefit from the WDC](https://developmaji.org/a-space-of-their-own-how-the-women-of-maji-will-benefit-from-the-wdc/) - Among the Dizi people of Maji, women had been so crushed, both men and women’s focus groups urged MDC to bring hope to women. Somehow.
- [Water Is Life:  MDC’s Clean Water Revolution in Maji](https://developmaji.org/water-is-life-mdcs-clean-water-revolution-in-maji/) - In Maji, water doesn’t come from a tap. For many families, it comes from miles away—carried by women and drawn from muddy spring pools where cattle drink!
- [Teamwork Produces Miracles](https://developmaji.org/teamwork-produces-miracles/) - Yesterday I ordered the solar equipment for the Maji hospital! It was a huge victory with many layers--your generosity, Ato Markos's leadership and people-skills (the MDC Business Manager), Ato Samson's persistence (our solar partner), the MDC lawyer team, and the Maji leaders' commitment to the good of their people--with MDC staff and board to pull
- [What's in a Hospital?](https://developmaji.org/whats-in-a-hospital/) - Hello, friends of Maji. Summer usually sees a giving slump, but in July MDC was given almost $10,000. Our announcement of a video highlighting the Maji Hospital brought a match offer from childhood friend, Larry Gingrich, and so many of you responded generously. Thank you--you know who you are! Unfortunately, corona virus cases in Ethiopia

## Pages

- [Maji Development Coalition Home](https://developmaji.org/) - Maji Development Coalition’s mission is to accompany the people of the Maji District in SW Ethiopia with Solar Electricity, Clean Water, Women’s Empowerment.
- [Women's Empowerment](https://developmaji.org/womens-empowerment/) - The Women’s Development Center is in Motion and we Need Your Help! 2025 is an exciting time! The Maji Women’s Development Center will spread and support women’s self help groups by gathering women for training in mutual support and productive projects. The local church will partner to run it. Commercial space on the ground floor
- [Donations](https://developmaji.org/donate/) - We couldn’t do this work without people like you.Every dollar counts and is making a difference! Your support is helping us make the new Women’s Development Center a reality! Select here if you have any issues accessing the below donation form. 
- [PPT WDC](https://developmaji.org/ppt-wdc/) - The Women’s Development Center is in Motion but we Need Your Help! Learn More Here!
- [Women's Development Center](https://developmaji.org/womens-development-center/) - Where Women Rise Communities ThriveThe Women’s Development Center is in Motion but we Need Your Help!The Maji Women’s Development Center will spread and support women’s self help groups by gathering women for training in mutual support and productive projects. The local church will partner to run it. Commercial space on the ground floor will cover
- [Test Donate Form Page](https://developmaji.org/test-donate-form-page/)
- [Donations 2024](https://developmaji.org/donations-2024/) - We couldn’t do this work without people like you.Every dollar counts and is making a difference!
- [History of Kurtz Family in Ethiopia](https://developmaji.org/history-of-kurtz-family-in-ethiopia/) - Kurtz family historyIn 1954, Harold and Polly Kurtz left a pastorate in Portland, Oregon to work in Ethiopia under the Presbyterian Church of North America (PCNA). With three daughters under school age, they left New York on the USS Elizabeth. Because Polly was pregnant, they were one of the first families to travel by air
- [Newsletter Sign Up](https://developmaji.org/newsletter-sign-up-mdc/) - Thank you for your support of and interest in Maji Development Coalition! If you would like to receive updates and stay connected – join our newsletter below.
- [How it works](https://developmaji.org/how-it-works/) - In January 2019, MDC began distributing solar home-lighting systems to individual families. These systems include a solar panel, battery, three lights and cell phone charging station. People value and care for what they invest in, so MDC makes the systems available on a three-year rent-to-own basis, with rent payments reinvested in a range of community
- [Solar Electricity](https://developmaji.org/solar-electricity/) - In Maji, after the sun goes down, people live in the dark. MDC’s first intervention in Maji District took place when Caroline Kurtz found donors, ordered a solar panel and four lights for the Maji Health Center’s Ob-gyn wing so women would have light in the delivery room at night. In January 2019, MDC began distributing solar
- [Financial Reports](https://developmaji.org/financial-reports/) - As a legal 501c3 registered in Oregon, we submit financial statements every year to the state. These reports are available to the public. Here is the link to review MDC’s annual financial statements.
- [Our Team](https://developmaji.org/our-team/) - Our Executive Director Caroline KurtzCaroline Kurtz grew up near rural Maji District’s one town. She was the only foreigner who began returning to Maji after the Communist regime fell in 1991. From 2008-2013, she coordinated projects in Maji that were funded by Presbyterian donors. This led to community leaders asking her help to get solar
- [Contact Us!](https://developmaji.org/contact/) - Get in touch here Name First Last Email(Required) MessageWhat is four plus four? Contact Information Address PO Box 17652 Portland, OR 97217 Phone +1.503.409.2613 or +251.090.246.3025 Learn more about us
- [Thank you for joining our newsletter](https://developmaji.org/thank-you-for-joining-our-newsletter/) - Our Mission: To accompany the people of the Maji District in SW Ethiopia as they pursue community development for the flourishing of mind, body and soul. Our Vision: Maji Development Coalition exists to express love and respect for the people of Maji District, Ethiopia. Partnering with like-minded individuals and churches in the United States, we deploy
- [History of MDC](https://developmaji.org/history-of-mdc/) - History of MDCWhen Caroline Kurtz, founder and Executive Director of Maji Development Coalition or MDC, was four years old, her parents left Portland, Oregon for Ethiopia. They lived and worked there for 23 years. Caroline considered Ethiopia home until she married and settled in Chicago. Learn More About the Kurtz Family’s History In Maji HereBeginning
- [Clean Water](https://developmaji.org/clean-water/) - MDC’s involvement in the critical issue of clean drinking water began in 2018, when the Maji town pump burned out. Town leaders took Caroline and board member Chris Bounds to see the muddy springs where people were reduced to drawing water. MDC entered into an Memorandum of Understanding with the Maji district administration to repair
- [Collaborative Partners](https://developmaji.org/collaborative-partners/) - Foundation and Corporate DonorsAlso supported by Board member donations Twenty-five Presbyterian and Lutheran churches Two hundred thirty-five individual donors, with gifts from $15.00 – $50,000.00 Three small family foundations Maji District Administration Office contributing cash and in-kind labor
- [Latest News](https://developmaji.org/latest-news/)
- [Mission and Vision](https://developmaji.org/mission-and-vision/) - Our Mission: To accompany the people of the Maji District in SW Ethiopia as they pursue community development for the flourishing of mind, body and soul. Our Vision: Maji Development Coalition exists to express love and respect for the people of Maji District, Ethiopia. Partnering with like-minded individuals and churches in the United States, we deploy
- [Where We Work](https://developmaji.org/where-we-work/) - Where We Work The last pole of the national electric grid stands 80 African-gravel miles away from the Maji District, home to 35,000 people. A few private individuals have bought expensive diesel generators to provide power to grain mills and their homes. Everyone else lives in darkness when the sun goes down. Most families in Maji
- [People and Places](https://developmaji.org/people-and-places/) - Photos in Maji Loading the next set of gallery items...
- [Sorry! Please try again.](https://developmaji.org/sorry-please-try-again-with-the-above-menu/) - Sorry but the page you are looking for does not exist or has been changed to a different URL. Please use the above menu or select here to go home! Maji Development Coalition Home

## Categories

- [News](https://developmaji.org/category/news/)
- [Development](https://developmaji.org/category/development/)
- [Health](https://developmaji.org/category/health/)
- [Community](https://developmaji.org/category/community/)
- [News and Events](https://developmaji.org/category/news-and-events/)
- [Solar Power](https://developmaji.org/category/solar-power/)
- [Women's Development Center](https://developmaji.org/category/women/)
- [Clean Water](https://developmaji.org/category/clean-water/)
- [Women's Empowerment](https://developmaji.org/category/womens-empowerment/)

## Tags

- [Development](https://developmaji.org/tag/development/)
- [Ethiopia](https://developmaji.org/tag/ethiopia/)
- [Maji](https://developmaji.org/tag/maji/)
- [solar energy](https://developmaji.org/tag/solar-energy/)
- [Health care](https://developmaji.org/tag/health-care/)
- [International development](https://developmaji.org/tag/international-development/)
- [Maji hospital](https://developmaji.org/tag/maji-hospital/)
- [Community Development](https://developmaji.org/tag/community-development/)
- [Solar Electricity](https://developmaji.org/tag/solar-electricity/)