28.2 C
Accra
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Independent Africa‘Gogo’ Priscilla – world’s ‘oldest pupil’ dies at 100

Date:

‘Gogo’ Priscilla – world’s ‘oldest pupil’ dies at 100

Kenya’s Priscilla Sitienei, who was thought to be the world’s oldest school pupil has died peacefully at home at the age of 100.

“Gogo”, which means grandmother in the local Kalenjin language, was what Ms Sitienei was affectionately known as by many.

Her grandson Sammy Chepsiror, told Kenya’s The Standard newspaper: “She died peacefully in the presence of some family members. We are thankful for the 100 years of her life. She made all of us proud.”

Ms Sitienei’s story became the inspiration for the French film Gogo Priscilla which lead to a meeting with France’s First Lady, Brigette Macron.

In a tribute on Twitter, one of the film’s co-writers said Ms Sitienei’s “message on girls’ education remains”.

Ms Sitienei began attending Vision Preparatory School with her great-great grandchildren after she decided at age 90 to return to primary education, having worked for several decades as a traditional midwife.

She wasn’t able to attend school as a child but when the Kenyan government began subsidising primary school fees in 2003, it allowed her and other senior citizens, another chance.

She told the BBC back in 2015 that she wanted to inspire older children who were not attending school to go back saying: “They tell me they are too old,” she says, “I tell them, ‘Well I am at school and so should you.

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

Check out Cristiano Ronaldo’s val’s day message to his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez

Cristiano Ronaldo recently shared a throwback photo of himself...

Ghana’s Mawuko Kuadzi wins Best Casting Award at prestigious Artios Ceremony

Mawuko Kuadzi, the celebrated Ghanaian casting director and CEO...

Termination of post-Dec 7 appointments unjust and illegal – NPP to NDC

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticized...

Ghana to prioritize self-sufficiency in food production – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has revealed Ghana’s plan to...

Dropping cases without Mahama’s approval is a dangerous precedent – Dame to A-G

Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah...

Otumfuo at the forefront of traditional measure to check Bawku conflict – Defence Minister

Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has acknowledged the...

Related stories

Liberia: Over 450 govt officials suspended over failure to declare assets

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has suspended more than 450...

Congolese musician fatally shot while filming music video in conflict-hit Goma

Delphin Katembo Vinywasiki, widely known as Delcat Idengo, has...

Gunmen ambush bus in Upper East, kills 1 injures 5

A bus traveling from Bawku to Bolgatanga in the...

Ramaphosa defends land reform amid Trump and Musk criticism

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken with billionaire...

Nigeria school fire kills 17 children

At least 17 children lost their lives after a...

New Ebola outbreak confirmed by Uganda’s health authorities

Uganda's health authorities have confirmed a new Ebola outbreak...