"Women, It Is Possible": Mom of 2 Becomes 1st PhD Holder in Her Village
- A young woman from a small village in Morebeng has just become the first-ever PhD holder to come out of her little community, Thakgalane in Soekmekaar, Morebeng
- The mom says she experienced a lot of shame and self-hate as a result of her teenage pregnancy but decided early on to do better for her kids
- Today, the dentist hopes to encourage other women just like her with the encouraging story and has compelled all girls to pursue their dreams
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An incredibly determined young woman has just become her small community's first-ever PhD holder. The proud new dentist, Dr Makoma Malatji, made it happen with a lot of love and support from her family and two young children.
Taking to popular student forum, Varsity World, the encouraging young professional shared her story.
Source: Facebook
A young mom working hard to be an example to her children
Malajti first got pregnant at only 17, often dealing with the shame and ridicule that comes with being a young mother. Still, she managed to complete her high school education and promised herself she'd work hard to be an example to her babies.
"When you are pregnant and young, people will talk, I walked around in shame. I hated myself but I realised that this is my life, and it doesn't matter what they say, I'm going to work hard and rise again," she writes.
Malatji thanks her friends and family for all their support
The young dentist went online to thank her friends and family for guiding her along the way. She's also reminded other young woman just like her that all their dreams are valid.
Malatji spoke solemnly of having to leave her children behind but always knew in the long run, education could only make her a better mom.
"I left everything that was important to me, including my kids to pursue my studies. Now they have a mother who is in a better position to mentor and look after them. Black women, it is possible. My dream is to see young girls chasing their dreams as I did. It is never late," she touchingly ends.
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African student complete PhD from European university in record time
In more news on incredible PhD holders across the continent, Briefly News previously reported that an African man, Sunday Ojochegbe Okutachi, has celebrated bagging his doctorate degree in cancer biology from the University of Luxembourg.
Sunday said that he made a record finish of completing the academic programme in the space of three years.
Taking to his LinkedIn page, he appreciated God for giving him the strength to achieve such a big feat at the age of 30.
The man also attributed his success to having a wife who supports him well, appreciating the woman for taking care of their child while he was dealing with many commitments.
He said that without the support he got from people, he would not have made it far. He, however, said that it pained him that his dad could not witness his son being a doctor, adding that he passed away five months after he started the programme.
Sunday shared photos he took with his family, friends, and colleagues. What amazed many was the funny-looking cap he had on.
Many people were in his comment section to congratulate him. Briefly News compiled some of the reactions below:
Chiemerie Azubuogu asked:
"Congratulations Sunday! Will your thesis be made available to the public?"
Abolaji Amos said:
"Congratulations Sunday Ojochegbe Okutachi, PhD. Well-deserved."
Shedrach Ojodomo Agbo said:
"Hearty congratulations Omaye. Dr looks good on you. You keep inspiring yours truly from the day one our path crossed. May you keep soaring."
Melanie Blank said:
"Congratulations, Dr Sunday. I love what's on your head! And the beautiful family portrait."
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Source: Briefly News
