Tigust
Meet Tigust, 19 years old, one of ten children. By Ethiopian
standards Tigust’s family is not poor. Both her parents worked
and were able to support the family. Tigust was a year and a
half into a three-year nursing course and doing well, when her
mother died. Her father was still able to support the family
but could no longer afford the nursing course fees.
To complete the course Tigust required £275, a vast amount
of money.
Tigust came to see Sister to ask for a loan in order to
complete the course. That’s when we got to hear her story. We
faced a dilemma - a loan would put her in debt before she had
even started work. Giving her the money from your donated funds
would reduce the number of houses we could have built.
With a decision of this nature we always feel that Sister
knows best and based on her advice we gave Tigust the money to
continue her studies.
Our reckoning was that once qualified, and after talking to
her we have no doubt she will, she will not only be able to
contribute towards her family but will serve the community in
the local hospital. Nurses are in great demand in Ethiopia.
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