Mother’s Day Feature: The Jovial Vera Abongo

May being the month to celebrate mothers and appreciate them, MumsVillage reached out to mums in our community, to share their parenting experiences as we #CelebrateMum. This is Vera Abongo’s story.

What childhood experiences shaped you the most? What did you learn from them?

Growing up in a loving home with supportive parents. I learnt family values, love and respect.

How would people who knew you in school describe you?

Jovial, always smiling.

How have you raised your children similarly to how you were raised? What have you tried to do differently?

I show them a lot of love and cover them in prayer. In terms of discipline, I do it slightly differently because I talk to my children a lot but once in a while,  the rod works.

What traditions did your parents pass on to you that you passed on to your child/children?

Prayer together, morning and night.

What three words would you say represents your approach to parenting and why?

Love, discipline and availability.  I do tough love too! Being single I have to be available as much as possible as my little ones are still of tender years.

What are some of the most rewarding (and/or challenging) aspects of being a parent for you?

Every birthday is rewarding as it reminds me that I have nurtured that child an extra year. A pat on my back! It’s challenging to balance my time and that of the kids too. I’m still learning how to balance the two.

What was the most rewarding (and/or hardest) period of your career/entrepreneurship journey?

My career growth has been as rewarding as I am climbing up the ladder gradually in my profession. The same has been accompanied by financial benefits. The hardest point of my career was the beginning. It took me 3 years before I got a stable job. I thank God because I learnt patience is a virtue.

What are your thoughts about your current line of work?

I love my job. Every day is a learning process.

What do you think the world needs more of right now?

A less corrupt society especially in Africa.

Is there something that you wish you had experienced that you haven’t yet experienced?

No.

At this stage in your life, what are some of your best family memories?

The birth of my children.

What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received from your mum? #MumWasRight

God answers Prayer.

You may also like Mother’s Day Feature: The Unique Susan Cherono.

Mother’s Day Feature: The Hardworking Sheila Kibanyu

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