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Recently, University Graduate Justin Phiri faced mockery due to the simple clothing choices he and his mother made for his graduation ceremony.
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Although certain social media users first ridiculed their looks, it was revealed later that the widow earned money by selling roasted cassava to support her son’s schooling.
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Due to the viral incident, supporters extended offers of a wardrobe makeover to the family and even proposed giving Justin an opportunity for employment to help launch his professional journey.
The other day, Justin crossed the graduation platform to get his diploma in Records and Archives Management.
However, it was an image featuring him alongside his mother, Maureen Lungu, which garnered both online mockery and substantial backing.
In the widely shared picture, Justin was dressed in an ordinary, poorly fitting suit, whereas next to him, his mother stood wearing a clearly used black jacket over an orange T-shirt and a slightly faded yellow chitenge skirt.
Although certain social media users first ridiculed their looks, the discussion rapidly changed once the narrative supporting the photo came to light.
In a narrative centered around a mother’s unwavering devotion and sacrifices, Justin shared the difficulties his mother faced to keep him enrolled in school.
Following the loss of her spouse, Maureen engaged in various tasks such as selling roasted cassava, laundering garments, and taking on miscellaneous chores to earn enough funds for her child’s schooling transportation costs.
“I encountered numerous difficulties. In the past, I had to walk from home to the university since we were short on funds. Occasionally, my mother would even sell avocados just to ensure I could attend classes,” Justin recounted.
Even though the difficult journey persisted, Justin stayed determined, convinced that he would achieve success someday and reciprocate all the efforts his mother had put in for him.
His determination was recognized. The widely shared post sparked an influx of positive sentiments from both ordinary people and well-known personalities.
During an emotionally charged discussion shared by Kalemba, Maureen recounted what drove her actions:
When my spouse passed away, I began doing laundry for others and selling cassava… whatever I could do to earn enough money for my son’s transportation. However, as times became tougher, he ended up walking instead.
Due to the widespread attention, supporters have not just provided the family with a new clothing collection but also presented them with career prospects.
Justin has apparently been presented with an opportunity for employment that could jump-start his career, marking a notable change from the ambiguity he previously encountered.
A peaceful celebration at the beginning transformed into a significant national event, highlighting the frequently overlooked challenges faced in achieving academic success.
From mockery to respect, Justin Phiri’s journey serves as a testament that each graduate wearing a cap and gown represents a family who has made immense sacrifices in silence, all for the purpose of turning aspirations into reality.
