Desta’s parents live 40 Km. from Lalibela. She is the second youngest of 5 children. She is a clever girl, but the parents do not have the money to support her further education. She has successfully completed grade 12 and is taking up a place at Debre Birhan University. She will be studying Social Sciences and Humanities.
It has been agreed to give her 900 Birr every month (£45), with an incentive bonus of 600 Birr on successful completion of semester 1 and another 600 Birr on successful completion of first year.