University Graduate Trolled Over Mother's Modest Outfit Receives Support, Job Offer

• A university graduate who was mocked online for his and his mother’s modest graduation outfits has received overwhelming support after sharing their touching story
• Justin Phiri revealed that his mother sold roasted cassava and did odd jobs to fund his education after his father's death
• What began with trolling ended in triumph, with well-wishers offering him a job and a fresh start

A few days ago, Justin walked across the graduation stage to receive his degree in Records and Archives Management.

But it was a photo of him and his mother, Maureen Lungu, that sparked both online ridicule and overwhelming support.

Why Justin's graduation photo went viral

In the viral image, Justin wore a simple, ill-fitting suit, while his mother stood beside him in a visibly worn black jacket, orange t-shirt, and a faded yellow chitenge skirt.

While some social media users initially mocked their appearance, the conversation quickly shifted as the story behind the image emerged.

Read also

Netizens rally behind man dumped over money in leaked WhatsApp chats: " He'll win"

In a story about a mother’s unyielding love and sacrifice, Justin revealed the hardships his mother endured to ensure he stayed in school.

After losing her husband, Maureen took up any work she could find—selling roasted cassava, washing clothes, and doing odd jobs, just to raise transport money for her son's education.

“I faced a lot of challenges. I used to walk from home to the university when we didn’t have money. Sometimes my mum would sell avocados just so I could make it to class,” Justin shared.

Justin dreamt of helping widowed mother

Despite the tough journey, Justin remained focused, believing he would be successful one day and repay his mother for everything she had done for him.

His perseverance did not go unnoticed. The viral post drew an outpouring of goodwill from members of the public and prominent figures.

In an emotional conversation shared by Kalemba, Maureen recalled her motivation:

Read also

Eldoret man narrates selling kidney to buy motorbike, pay off mum's loan: "I have no money"

“After my husband died, I started washing for people, selling cassava… anything I could find, just so I could raise my son’s transport money. But when things got harder, he would walk.”

Well-wishers offered Justin helping hand

Thanks to the viral moment, well-wishers have not only offered the family a wardrobe upgrade but also professional opportunities.

Justin has reportedly been offered a job to kick-start his career—a significant shift from the uncertainty he once faced.

What started as a day of quiet triumph became a powerful national moment, shining a light on the often-unseen struggles behind academic success.

From ridicule to recognition, Justin Phiri's story is a reminder that behind every graduate in a gown is often a family with untold sacrifices seeking to make dreams come true.

Netizens congratulate graduate

The graduate and his mum touched the hearts of many netizens, who congratulated him on his academic achievement and for being unashamed of his mum.

Read also

Kakamega: Sigh of relief as boy who disappeared, left mum hand-written letter is found

Here are some of the comments:

Leyla Wambura Atieno said:

"Does the dress code matter during the graduation? What matters is the word Alhamdulillahi, yaani kushukuru Mungu. Last year, during my son's graduation, alinunua a simple kanzu we could afford so that he could have something to be putting on on Fridays, na mimi nikavaa my simple dera yenye I bought 3 yrs ago, Alhamdulillahi we are fine."

Anne Chepchirchir

"Do people really know what our parents go through to educate their kids? They sacrifice a lot. Congratulations, Mama and the son, for not letting her down."

Jairus Gakure

"God knows our tomorrow better, congratulations 👏🎉, To the mother, may you live long to see that all your hard work was not in vain!"

Carol Jaber said:

"Why should you laugh at someone's parent? It's wrong. May God shame all those who laughed at the guy and the mum."

Kisumu graduate celebrates by uplifting widows

Read also

Painful scenes as Eric Omondi comforts family of baby who died after alleged doctors’ inaction

Elsewhere, Norway-based Kenyan philanthropist Nathaniel Odongo Owino recently graduated after many years of repeating classes.

It was an inspiring milestone that showcased his resilience even in the face of adversity, given that his education journey had once stalled.

To celebrate the achievement, he shopped for hundreds of widows in Manyatta Slums as a way to give back to the community that shaped him.

Racheal Nyaguthie, HoD Human Interest, added reactions to his article.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke