- Phillip Solonka is among the graduates at a recent Kenyatta University graduation ceremony, and he was awarded a Bachelor of Education degree
- As some of his former classmates hugged and jubilated with their relatives and friends, Solonka just sat at the square, at a loss of what to do next
- Once lawyer Collins Wanderi heard that the young man's mum couldn't make it because of fare, he gave him KSh 5,000 for a goat and rallied other Kenyans to help as well
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On December 21, Kenyans were touched after learning that young Phillip Solonka walked home alone in his graduation regalia after everyone else had left because his single mom had not shown up.
Solonka's mom is unable to raise fare
Solonka shared that he almost dropped out of school at 13, but a benevolent teacher from Meru, identified as Anthony, took him back to school.
Both Anthony and Solonka's mom could not make it to the event, with the latter saying that she could not raise the fare needed to get to Kenyatta University. He really wanted them there, and it broke him.
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On his graduation day, the Bachelor of Education degree holder walked to the home of his friend, who was hosting him for the time being, and later left for home, crying his heart out in a matatu.
On reading about his sad day, renowned tax and corporate lawyer Collins Wanderi declared that he would buy him a goat to celebrate his big day with his mom.
Collins Wanderi buys goat for Solonka
"Please give me the contacts of this boychild; I will give him a goat to go and celebrate with his mother. His situation mirrors mine in many ways; bring his number he said on the TUKO.co.ke Facebook page.
Within a short time, he sent the young man KSh 5,000 to buy a goat and celebrate with his mom, then rallied other Kenyans to help send the young man buy other things needed for the celebration.
"I am in tears, God saw the tears I cried in front of people while going home and he has helped me," said Solonka after receiving cash and encouragement from Wanderi.
Wanderi also told TUKO.co.ke that he would hold the young man's hand and ensure that he got a job or something to do within Kajiado.
Smokie hawker graduates from college
Elsewhere, Korir Oliver graduated from college after running away from his home in Elgeyo Marakwet County, which was riddled with bandits.
Korir graduated from the Rift Valley Institute of Technology with a diploma in plumbing technology.
Oliver told TUKO.co.ke that as he studied for it, he sold eggs and smokies to survive; the brilliant and resilient man started his business with KSh 15,000, which bought the trolley and snacks to sell.
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