Destaw Temesgn Gelaye

2010 Aged 19 years

Destaw made application for support from the scholarship fund. He was one of the 10 selected from the 61 applicants to have their form sent to the Scottish committee. At that time, he was not selected for support. His results in the grade 12 national examinations were excellent. He was the top scoring student in Lalibela. Because of this, it was decided to make an exception and give him support at University. He will get 600 Birr (£30) per month for the year. There will also be two, performance related, incentive bonuses, paying up to 600 Birr each.

Destaw is from a very poor family in Debeko, which is 34 Km. from Lalibela. He supported himself through his education by teaching younger children. He hoped to get a place to study medicine, but the Government has allocated him a place at Addis Ababa University to study engineering. He is happy with this.

Unfortunately, he was not here to have his photograph taken, and is now in Addis Ababa. He is absolutely delighted to have been given the support.