Susan Aitchison Scholarship Fund

The 2013/2014 scholarship students pictured with Tefera, the chairman of the Lalibelan committee.

The photograph was taken at the annual student meeting in September 2013. The meeting gives the students an opportunity to network, with the older students being able to give support to the younger ones.

We are now into year 5 of the scholarship fund and it is time for an annual report.

In 2012/2013, we supported 18 young people in various stages in the education system. They have continued to pay us back by working hard and achieving good results. I am pleased to say that there has been no ‘drop outs’ this year. The main reason for this is the careful screening of applicants given by the Lalibelan committee. This ensures that the young people we help are those with the greatest need. They are all very grateful for the support, without which they would not be able to remain in the education system. I am constantly receiving their thanks, when the thanks are due to all of you.

In 2012/2013 the equivalent of £6,092 has been distributed to the students.

Thank you to Hamilton Bridge Club, which is responsible for the setting up of the fund. Their annual tournament again topped up the money in the bank. Thanks to all those who have set up a standing order, and paid money regularly into the account. Thanks to everyone who has made donations throughout the year. Thanks to the visitors to Lalibela who have given money in support.

Sheena McCall deserves a special thank you. She has supplied 2 computers for the students, which have been given to Fiker and Destaw. Both boys are now in their 4th. year studying engineering and were being disadvantaged by the lack of a computer.

To everyone, please accept my thanks on behalf of the young people here. You are all making such a difference to their lives and their ambitions for the future.

The scheme could not run without the support of the 2 committees. All the members give their time, and expertise, without any payment. Maureen, in Scotland, has resigned from the committee and we thank her for all the support she has given over the years. Morag MacDonald has agreed to take her place on the Scottish committee. Mamo has resigned from the Lalibelan committee and we also give him our thanks. Tsegenet has agreed to replace him on the committee.

In May this year the Scottish committee were successful in registering the fund as a Scottish charity. We are now Scottish charity number SCO44015. This will mean that we can claim gift aid from donations made. Once we have sorted this out with the Inland Revenue, we will send out the information. Thanks to June and Margaret for their work in making this possible.

Four of our young people graduated this year and are not now being supported by the fund. Due to everyone’s generosity, we have been able to add 8 new young people to the programme. This means that we will be supporting 22 young people during 2013/2014.

It is difficult to find the words to describe the difference this money is making to the lives of these young people. Please accept my thanks for remembering us out here and for your continual support.