You can also find these details at OSCR, the Scottish Charity Register, by searching for our name or charity number – SC044015.
Alternatively use this direct link:
https://www.oscr.org.uk/about-charities/search-the-register/charity-details?number=SC044015
Many tell me that they love all the pictures and have missed them in the reports during the troubles.
As you will see, we managed to have the meeting with the students in September 2022 and I am happy to be able to give you all the up to date photographs.
Our software engineering student, Getnet Adane, came to Lalibela for the meeting and, with the hire of a generator, set up a zoom link. I was able to speak to the students while sitting in comfort in Scotland. Many thanks Getnet for all your hard work and expertise.
Since the meeting, a peace treaty has been signed. The electricity supply has recently been returned to Lalibela which means water can now be pumped into the town. Everything is looking very positive.
The disruption from COVID restrictions, followed by the war, has meant disruption to the education system. The timings of student promotion to the next grade at school and to graduations have been variable for the last 3 years. I am pleased to report that the fund has been operational throughout all the disruption. This is thanks to the efforts of the Lalibelan committee and, in particular, to Teshale, the fund manager.
When I reported in April 2022, we were supporting 47 students. Since then, 11 students have graduated from University and College and are now out of the programme. Unfortunately, one young student, Temesgen Destaw, did not take the opportunity offered and left the programme. We accepted 13 new students into the programme in September and are now supporting 48 young people.
10 are at University, 7 at College and 31 are in the school system.
We distributed 685,012 Birr (Approximately £11,500) in the 2021/2022 academic year. The exchange rate has averaged about 60 Birr to £1. Because of this inflation, we increased the student monthly payments to 1,100 Birr as from September. (Approximately £18).
A little money goes a long way in Ethiopia. We can only operate the fund because of your support. Many thanks for keeping thinking about us. All our young people send their thanks for the opportunity you are giving them.
The fund could not operate without the team of people who give their time to ensure the smooth operation. Many thanks to June, Margaret and Joan who keep everything running in Scotland and to Tefera , Habtamu and Teshale who look after everything in Ethiopia. Thanks also to Simon, in London, who donates his time and his computing skills to keep the website updated. Thanks to Maureen for verifying our annual accounts.
Susan
You can download the full SASF Fund Report 2022 as a PDF for printing or offline viewing
If you are able to help us then please use our Just Giving fund raising account to contribute.
Congratulations to the class of 2022
2022 Age 7
John lives with his grandmother who is over 80 years old.
He has no contact with his parents. He has been earning money by fetching water for people while there was no water in the town.
Our support means that he has now started grade 1 at school.
2022 Age 16
Mekdes lives with her family in Shimsha, 23 Km. from Lalibela. She is expected to work on the farm and help her mother in the kitchen.
A year ago, she had a kidney removed and was advised not to do heavy work but her parents still expected her to work hard.
Our support means that she can concentrate on her education. She is in grade 10.
2022 Age 19
Moges is now in 1st. year at Debark University.
He is in the freshman course prior to starting his health studies.
His financial support is thanks to the Bude Methodist Church.
2022 Age 15
She was born out of wedlock and neither parent wanted her. When she was 8 years old, her mother forced her to work as a waitress and kept all the money.
Our support is letting her start an independent life.
She assures us that by investing in her we are investing in 100 girls as, in the future, she plans an organisation to help others in the same position! She has reached grade 8 by studying at night school.
2022 Age 15
Temesgin is in grade 9. He is an average student but is a very talented singer and earns a little money from this,
We have agreed to support him through grades 9 and 10. If he is successful in the grade 10 National exams, we will continue the support
2022 Age 19
Tigist is now in grade 12.
Her parents are divorced and she lives with her mother and 3 siblings. Tigist often has to miss school if there is an opportunity to work and earn money.
She gets good exam results and has an ambition to be a health professional.
2022 Age 18
Tringo is now in grade 12.
She lives in Neakutoleab, 15 Km. from Lalibela.
She has to walk to school so doesn’t have tIme for Library visits or studying.
Our support means she can now rent a room in Lalibela.
2022 Age 11
Yalew was abandoned by his parents. He lives with an uncle who expects him to look after the animals and do farm work.
There is no money available for school materials.
He is now in grade 5 and our support will let him stay in the school system,
2022 Age 10
Yisaq is in grade 5.
Her parents are divorced and she lives with her father. Her father is a farmer and has a low income.
She attends school half a day and looks after her father’s sheep half time.
Our support lets her attend school full time.
