90-Year-Old Kenyan is World’s Oldest Primary School Student

Priscilla Sitienei, a 90-year-old grandmother from rural Kenya is believed to have become the world’s oldest primary school student. Joining in class with children aged 11 to 14, Priscilla told the BBC she enrolled in school with the intention of inspiring Kenyan children, along with the goal of finally learning to read and write.

Mrs Sitienei never had the opportunity to go to school as a young girl – in Kenya, primary school education wasn’t made universal and free until 2003. However, her lack of formal education never stopped Priscilla from serving her community. She has been a midwife for over 65 years – she even delivered some of her classmates as babies!

Priscilla is determined to learn to read and write so that she can pass her midwifery skills and knowledge of herbal medicines.

Her primary motivation in going to school, however, is to encourage others to learn. There are so many different factors that limit a child’s ability to get an education in Kenya. Priscilla wants to change this.

“Too many older children are not in school. They even have children themselves,” she told the BBC. “They tell me they are too old. I tell them, ‘Well I am at school and so should you’.”

At the age of 90, Priscilla is taking classes in Maths, PE, English, Dance, Drama and Singing.

“I want to say to the children of the world, especially girls, education will be your wealth. Don’t look back and run to your father. With education you can be whatever you want.” – Priscilla Sitienei.

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