22-year-old Lady who worked as a bricklayer to pay her school fees finally becomes successful, bags degree from university

Sharon Mbabazi is a 22-year-old lady from Uganda who has overcome many challenges and achieved her dream of getting a university degree. She lost her mother when she was only five years old and had to work as a brick maker and bricklayer to fund her education. She recently graduated from Muteesa I Royal University in Masaka, Uganda, with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication.

Sharon’s story is one of resilience, determination and hard work. She started making bricks when she was in primary school, after her father could not afford to pay her school fees. She would wake up early in the morning, mix mud and water, mould the bricks and dry them in the sun. She would then sell them to earn some money for her education.

“I faced many challenges. My village mates mocked me for being home because of school fees default, they used to call us poor because of our nearly falling house made out of soil,” she narrated. “These made me work even harder just to show them that I can change my life and that of my family too. And indeed it happened. People could take my bricks and fail to pay me. But I looked at my background and swore never to give up,” she added.

Sharon did not let the stigma and discrimination stop her from pursuing her passion for education. She also did not mind the physical challenges of brick making, such as getting injuries, bruises and back pain. She was determined to make a difference in her life and in her community.

She managed to complete her secondary education and joined Muteesa I Royal University, where she enrolled for a degree in Mass Communication. She continued to make bricks during her holidays and weekends to pay for her tuition and other expenses. She also worked as a bricklayer at construction sites, where she would sometimes face harassment and bullying from male workers.

Sharon’s hard work paid off when she graduated from the university in June 2023, becoming the first person in her family to attain a degree. She was celebrated by her classmates, friends and well-wishers on social media, who praised her for her remarkable achievement.

“Sharon was so hardworking, she has graduated because of her desire for education. She has been a challenger to us and always wanted to try out new things. She didn’t mind about those who bullied her over brick laying,” said Aaron Mbwali, one of her classmates.

Sharon’s story has also attracted the attention of Victoria University, which has offered her a partial scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Management. Sharon has accepted the offer and hopes to continue with her studies and career.

Sharon’s dream is to become a journalist and use her skills and knowledge to inform, educate and empower people in her country and beyond. She also wants to inspire other young girls and women who face similar challenges as she did.

“I want to tell them that nothing is impossible if you have a vision and a goal. Don’t let anyone or anything discourage you from achieving your dreams. You have the potential to do great things in life. Just believe in yourself and work hard,” she said.

Sharon Mbabazi is a role model and an example of what one can achieve with determination, perseverance and courage. She has shown that no matter the circumstances, one can rise above them and make a positive impact in the world.

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