One of the core pillars of Engineers Without Borders – Israel (EWB-TA) is the belief that the sustainability of our projects is measured not by how long we stay, but by how well communities thrive after we step back. Over the past decade, EWB-TA has implemented 11 rainwater harvesting systems in Nkaiti, Tanzania, and in 2021 expanded into the neighboring ward of Dabil. This expansion has given us the opportunity to redefine how we engage with communities by creating a clear entry and exit strategy that ensures long-term impact.
Here, we share the strategic thinking that guides us in building sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems while fostering community independence.
Why We Plan for an Exit
Planning an exit from the start is counterintuitive for many NGOs, but it is essential for achieving sustainable impact. Here are the guiding reasons:
Optimized System Use: Communities are best placed to maintain and manage systems. Dependence on external actors for upkeep can lead to inefficiencies, whereas local ownership ensures consistent use and care.
Reducing Dependency: By transferring full operational responsibility to local stakeholders, we empower them to make decisions and build resilient systems. This approach also helps eliminate the perception of reliance on external or foreign actors.
Expanding Reach: Focusing resources on empowering current communities enables us to replicate successes in new areas, spreading the benefits of clean water access to more schools and students.
Addressing Resource Constraints: As an organization run by a team of 20 volunteer students, our capacity is limited. A clear exit strategy allows us to focus our resources efficiently while maximizing our impact.
What Does “Exiting a Community” Mean?
Exiting doesn’t mean cutting ties abruptly; rather, it is a gradual transition of responsibility from EWB-TA to local authorities and communities. Our goal is to ensure that the systems we implement remain functional and impactful after our formal engagement ends.
This is achieved by:
Differentiating between technical and educational resources.
Empowering local leaders and authorities to manage technical aspects independently.
Maintaining an ongoing, passive role for technical consultation while continuing active engagement through educational initiatives.

A Flexible, Phased Approach
Our strategy unfolds through a series of adaptable phases designed to meet each community’s unique needs. These phases guide the journey from project initiation to full independence, ensuring communities are prepared to take ownership of the systems we implement.
We start by deeply understanding local needs and laying a solid foundation of trust and collaboration. As systems are built, we prioritize training and knowledge-sharing, equipping local leaders and stakeholders with the tools they need for long-term success. Over time, our direct involvement shifts to a supportive role, allowing communities to confidently lead the way while knowing we remain available for guidance if needed.
This thoughtful progression ensures that by the time we step back, the community is ready to step forward.
The Role of Education in Our Strategy
While technical support gradually declines, educational initiatives remain central. We empower teachers and students with knowledge about water hygiene, system maintenance, and sustainable practices. This includes:
Developing adaptable lesson plans and materials for schools.
Training teachers to integrate water and sanitation topics into their curriculum.
Encouraging student participation in maintaining systems and promoting hygiene.
Collaborating with Local Stakeholders
Strong partnerships are critical to a successful exit. In Tanzania, we’ve established relationships with local government bodies such as Ruwasa (Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency) and district-level officials. These partnerships ensure long-term accountability and support for the systems. Additionally, we’re engaging local NGOs to continue delivering educational programs after our exit.

Looking Ahead
Our work in Tanzania reflects a larger commitment to empowering communities through thoughtful planning and strategic action. By embedding exit strategies into our projects, we not only ensure the sustainability of our WASH systems but also create a framework for scaling our impact to new regions.
This approach is more than a methodology, it’s a mindset—one that prioritizes community ownership, independence, and resilience. Together with our partners in Tanzania, we’re building the foundation for a future where clean water access and sustainable development are driven from within.
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