The “world’s oldest primary school student,” Pricilla Sitienei, died in Kenya on Friday at the age of nearly 100, her grandson Sammy Chepsiror said. The exact cause of death was initially unknown.
Seven years ago, international media reported on the Kenyan who started school with her great-great-grandchildren at the age of 90. Sitienei previously worked as a midwife for decades. When she was young, her family could not afford school.
Sitienei’s story was captured in the 2020 film Gogo by French director Pascal Plisson. Gogo means “grandmother” in the Kalendjin language spoken in northwestern Kenya.
School attendance only free for 19 years
There is a great concern behind Sitienei’s unusual school career: the Kenyan said she wanted to point out that not all children in Kenya get the chance to go to school. Sitienei also wanted to encourage older students in particular to go to school regularly.
Only since a school reform 19 years ago has there been the possibility to go to school for free in Kenya. However, especially in rural areas, there is a lack of resources for adequate education. According to the UN, 60 percent of children between the ages of 15 and 17 are out of school in sub-Saharan Africa.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
