Graduate Kneels Before Grandmother and Thanks Her for Raising Him
- Edward Raddy Kasenge said his father and mother abandoned him when he was just one year old
- That was when his two grandmothers stepped in to take care of him and saw him through his entire education
- One of the grandmothers worked as a food staff vendor at Kitunzi market in Lunguja, Uganda, while the other sold charcoal
- The grandmothers would often borrow money from microfinance institutions to raise his school fees
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Edward Raddy Kasenge was on Tuesday, May 25, showered with praises for his humility across the continent after photos of him kneeling in front of his grandmother at the market went viral.
Kasenge had just graduated from Makerere University with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Human Resource Management and Personnel Administration, General.
Speaking to NTV Uganda on Friday, May 28, Kasenge disclosed he just wanted to appreciate his grandmothers' commitment and sacrifices to ensure he finished school.
"In a special way, allow me to congratulate the ladies behind my academic journey and success," he captioned photos of him and his grandmother in the market. Thanks a lot for standing by my side every time I needed you. May God bless you so much," he added.
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The graduate further revealed he was abandoned by his mother and father when he was only one year old. His two grandmothers then took the responsibility of taking care of him but things were not easy for them. They went through a lot.
The grandmothers were forced to borrow money to raise his school fees as one is a food staff vendor at Kitunzi market in Lunguja while another one sells charcoal.
According to him, they never gave up even when Kasenge failed twice; in O level, he was supposed to repeat senior two but was later promoted after the director learnt of his background.
He again failed senior six and was asked to join a technical school, but he refused because his only dream was to join Makerere University.
The grandmothers gave him a second chance; he tried and passed with flying colours.
Kasenge is not only grateful to his grandmothers but everyone else who stepped in one way or the other just to make sure he had a comfortable life.
"There are no words that can explain how happy I am for the love my people you have showered me even in the difficult times," he captioned in other photos.
"You have continuously supported me financially and emotionally. You have been the shoulder when I need you...thank you so much, family, for the love and care," added Kasenge.
The photos that went viral showed Kasenge still donned in a graduation gown, went to the marketplace and knelt before his grandmother as a sign of appreciation.
In other news, Briefly News reported that BI Phakathi blessed a hardworking gogo. BI Phakathi, South Africa's faceless philanthropist has helped another citizen of South Africa who deserved it.
BI encountered an old lady struggling with a bag on her back and asked her where she was going. She replied that she was heading to the dump. He asked if she was hungry and she said that she'd like some bread.
They went to a couple of stores before they found one that sold bread and he bought her a loaf and a cold drink.
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Source: Briefly News
Kelly Lippke (Senior Editor) Kelly Lippke is a copy editor/proofreader who started her career at the Northern-Natal Courier with a BA in Communication Science/Psychology (Unisa, 2007). Kelly has worked for several Caxton publications, including the Highway Mail and Northglen News. Kelly’s unique editing perspective stems from an additional major in Linguistics. Kelly joined Briefly News in 2018 and she has 14 years of experience. Kelly has also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at kelly.lippke@briefly.co.za.
Thando Mpembe Thando Mpembe is a sports journalist who has a passion for all things entertainment. In her spare time, Thando enjoys reading and spending time with family. She is an advocate for mental health and believes that a healthy body starts with a healthy mind. Thando holds an Honours Degree in Journalism from the University of Johannesburg. Her favourite quote is "Gentle reminder - you are not for everyone and that is a blessing". Email: thando.mpembe@briefly.co.za