Mother Priscilla Akwagu, a 32-year-old single mother who sponsored herself through school with her small business and celebrates as she graduated with a first-class despite all the difficulties.
The story of Priscilla Akwagu, a single mother is a source of inspiration.
Priscilla graduated with a First class while combining her small ‘Bofrot’ business to see herself through school.
Narrating her full story with MyJoyOnline, Priscilla, the now 33-year-old woman said:
“I lived with my brother in Kumasi. My mum was somewhere. So I started hawking in Kumasi. I used to sell sugarcane and worked at a chop bar. Sometimes, the left over is what my brother and I take for support. I used to wash the utensils and do the cleaning at the chop bar.
“My mum used to sell the ‘bofrot’ and she had debts to settle. So, I thought it was wise to come and take over from her and clear the debts. The business was lucrative and that helped me settle her debts.
“I completed JHS in 2007. I got pregnant with my first daughter after school. I was 17 years at the time. So after I delivered, I needed to take care of her. So in 2012, when she was three, I decided to go back to school. I didn’t know what school to attend because I had a child.
“So, I went to Atebubu and spoke to a man who led me to the headmistress for admission. She was reluctant because girls like me always ended up getting pregnant again. But later, she agreed and admitted me into the school. I just didn’t know how to plan for school and work.
“My campus was very far from here. It was in the Central Region, Ajumako. A colleague of mine takes over the business when I am not around. I come back home twice to sell.
“If I am to return to campus, I will sell and join the night bus. I’ll be tired when I get to school so I don’t even go for class for about two weeks until I gain strength,” she said.
Despite the challenges that come with being a single mother and her tedious and time-consuming business, she didn’t quit.
In a recent post on Facebook group Tell it all, she revealed that she has gone back to hawking.
”We don’t post our stories to show off but to motivate others that they can equally make it with determination. Back to my hawking business after national service and hoping for the best to come”
