Lelt Student Earns Her College Diploma with Lelt's Support
- Lelt Foundation
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Mekdes Bedilu grew up in a humble family on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As the youngest of four children, she witnessed both the joys and hardships of growing up in a family struggling to make ends meet. Her parents worked hard, but limited resources made it difficult to guarantee that all four children could continue their education.
That changed in November 2013, when sixth grader Mekdes joined Lelt Foundation’s programs. As financial difficulties threatened to end her education, Lelt became a source of hope for Mekdes and her entire family, providing educational assistance and a range of social services that let her stay focused on her studies.
“The best opportunity ever given to me was being able to get an education without placing any burden on my family,” Mekdes says. “Knowing that I could continue my studies while my family was supported gave me peace of mind and the confidence to dream big.”
Over the years, Mekdes benefited from tutorial support, computer training, and music classes that built her confidence and broadened her skills. Lelt also provided food rations, counseling, and medical assistance, support that improved the well-being of her entire family.
A Family Tested by Illness
The family faced one of its hardest periods when Mekdes’ father became seriously ill, straining the household financially and emotionally. After his passing, the burden of sustaining the family grew heavier still. Lelt Foundation stepped in with emergency support that helped the family navigate the crisis, a memory Mekdes still holds with gratitude.
A second health crisis followed when her mother, Mariam, developed severe back pain that limited her ability to work. Through medical support from Lelt, Mariam received proper treatment, and her health gradually improved, restoring stability to the household.
Scholarship Leads to Diploma
Despite the hardships at home, Mekdes stayed committed to her education. With a full scholarship from Lelt Foundation, she enrolled in a private college to study Marketing Management, graduating in February 2026 with a diploma in the field, the result of years of sacrifice and support from both her family and Lelt.
While she awaits her Certificate of Competency exam, a requirement for graduates in her field, Mekdes has taken up work at a local garment factory, earning income to support herself and her family. Watching her mother proudly celebrate her graduation remains one of her greatest joys.
Choosing Education
At one point, Mekdes considered leaving Ethiopia to work as a servant in the Gulf States, a path many young women facing economic uncertainty believe is their only option. Her mother firmly opposed the idea and urged her to finish her education instead. Today, Mekdes is thankful she listened.
“I once thought that going abroad to work in servitude was my only option,” she says. “But my mother refused to allow me to leave. Looking back now, I am happy that I stayed, completed my education here, and made my mother proud. I have no regrets.”
Mekdes now dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, hoping to open a business, perhaps a fast-food kiosk or a shoe shop, that creates a sustainable livelihood for herself and opportunities for her family.
Her message to younger students following her path: “Be strong. Do not be misled by the temptations and distractions of youth. Work hard, believe in yourself, and never give up on your dreams. Your present circumstances do not determine your destiny.”
Today, as a college graduate and aspiring entrepreneur, Mekdes stands as living proof that when compassion meets opportunity, lives are transformed and a brighter future becomes possible.
Lelt Foundation provides scholarships, academic support, and holistic family services for disadvantaged children and young adults in Ethiopia.
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