A Heartfelt Letter from Tal Woolsey
Tal Woolsey
Hello my Dear Friends
It is with a heart full of emotions—a mix of profound gratitude, reflection, and anticipation—that this week I will walk out of the CAWST office, as an employee, for the last time. After more than two decades of service, I will be retired.
This journey began in 2001, and what a remarkable journey it has been. For over 24 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most passionate, committed, and inspiring individuals I have ever known. Together, we have faced immense challenges, celebrated incredible victories, and, most importantly, made a tangible difference in the lives of millions.
When I started Clean Water For Haiti, my goal was simply to help. I quickly learned that the true power of our work lies not in the technology itself, but in the knowledge we share. As I've always believed, "When they possess the knowledge themselves, they don't just look after the water and sanitation needs of their families and neighbours... They share it beyond their community, creating change that lasts for generations." Seeing local partners and communities take ownership, thrive, and teach others has been the greatest reward of my career.
My time in the field, from the villages in Zambia to communities in Nepal, has left an indelible mark on my soul. The resilience and spirit of the people we serve, and the dedication of our global team and partners, has been a constant source of inspiration. Together we have worked with over 1385 organizations in 216 countries, and every single interaction I have had has enriched my life.
I want to extend my deepest thanks to all of you in the ABINET. Your unwavering support and belief in our mission has been the backbone of our common success.
Leaving is a bittersweet moment. I will miss the collaboration, the shared sense of purpose, and the unique energy that defines the ABINET. However, I leave knowing that the ABINET is in excellent hands and will continue to strive towards its ambitious goals. My encouragement to all of you is articulated in this Haitian Proverb- "Byen pre, pa lakay" Literally translated as, "Very near, is not home yet".
As I embark on this new chapter, I carry with me a wealth of memories and a deep sense of pride in what we have accomplished together. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this extraordinary movement.
My new email address will be water4...@gmail.com
May Gods Grace and Love continue to touch All your Souls and Keep you Safe!
Tal
Bruce Taylor
Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 8:26:07 AM
To: ABINET - African Biosand Filter Implementers Network <abin...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [abinet] A Heartfelt Letter from Tal Woolsey
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ABINET - African Biosand Filter Implementers Network" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to abinet-w+u...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/abinet-w/b40070e2-303f-41fb-9915-c81fac93e202n%40googlegroups.com.
Tal Woolsey
Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 6:47 AM
To: abin...@googlegroups.com <abin...@googlegroups.com>; Wesley Palmer <wpa...@enviro-stewards.com>; Mats van Kleef <mvan...@enviro-stewards.com>; Spencer Kelly <ske...@enviro-stewards.com>
Subject: Re: [abinet] A Heartfelt Letter from Tal Woolsey
Loguya Matthew
Thank you for sharing this deeply moving message and for the extraordinary commitment you have given over the past two decades. Your vision, humility, and belief in the power of shared knowledge have shaped not only CAWST’s work, but also the people and communities connected to it around the world.
Your leadership has demonstrated that lasting change comes from empowering others, and your influence will continue to be felt through the countless partners, communities, and colleagues who carry that approach forward. It has been a privilege to learn from you and to be part of the impact you helped create.
Thank you, Tal, for your dedication, generosity, and inspiration. Wishing you fulfillment, joy, and well-earned rest in this next chapter.
With sincere gratitude,
LOGUYA MATTHEW
FOUNDER I EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FEAT AFRICA - NOW - ALLEVIATE
Email: mlo...@alleviateafrica.org | Website: http://www.alleviateafrica.org
Phones: +211 923934666, +256 775514292
Tal Woolsey
Tal
Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 3:17 AM
To: abin...@googlegroups.com <abin...@googlegroups.com>
yonatan Sani Abegaz
trevor tychon
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/abinet-w/CAACrakHW09ystoH3xm18%3DHg6xAfa2uPaF5mFv9VMUOsOiVpBUQ%40mail.gmail.com.
Bruce Taylor
Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 9:34:21 PM
Addise Amado Dube
--
yohannes demisse
Dear Tal
Thank you very much for your kind email. I also learned from your message that you will be retiring from CAWST after 24 years of dedicated service. I would like to personally express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the good times we shared together at EKHCDC water and sanitation program.
I especially cherish the time we spent in Calgary with my two friends, Deginet and Behailu. During our visit the head office of CWST, I always remember the heartfelt welcome of the CAWST community and realize that how you are so lovely brother to all the staff. Those moments remain very meaningful to me, and I am truly thankful for your support, friendship, and guidance over the years.
I wish you a very successful, joyful, and well-deserved retirement. May this new chapter of your life be filled with happiness, good health, and many blessings.
If you ever have the chance to visit Ethiopia, I would be more than happy to welcome you and share a cup of Ethiopian coffee together.
I wish you all the very best, brother
ROBINSON MASONGO
We love you Tal and we will keep in touch. I will not say goodbye because we cannot bid you goodbye.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/abinet-w/1600536263.3507648.1766667332652%40mail.yahoo.com.
P.O Box 1953,80100
Mombasa