A mom rises up against the odds

MY mother is a tender-hearted woman who means the world to me, and is willing to do anything for me.

She gave birth to me when she was 16.

That was obviously a very hard situation for my grandparents to accept.

Her life was turned upside down because of me. Undeniably, at that age, a lot must have gone through her mind. Stuff like how she was going to raise and support me.

So the thought of abortion must have crossed her mind, but she did not terminate the pregnancy.

She realised that the only way to prove her critics wrong was through education. She persevered with her studies, because she wanted a better life for me.

She proved to be one of the smartest children in her school, and studied medicine while I was being raised by my grandparents. When I was 14, I went and lived with her. She had completed her studies.

Staying with my mom has made me realise what kind of a woman she is and how much I would love to be as strong and determined as she is.

She is very strong and understanding. And I can talk to her about anything.

She taught me to always tell the truth, no matter what situation I find myself in and I respect her for that. We share an unbreakable bond. She is my motivation and I cannot imagine life without her. So big up to my mom! — Sive Nyalela from Amalinda

She realised the only way to prove her critics wrong was through education