Life is but a few short decades long, and when you reach old age, can you continue to learn? In Kenya, 94-year-old Priscilla Sitienei’s decision to attend the village elementary school sends a powerful message about the importance of education and demonstrates her determination and philosophy to the world.
The oldest elementary school student: Priscilla Sitienei
Priscilla Sitienei was known as “Gogo,” which means “grandmother” in the local Kalenjin language. She was in good health until three days before her death in 2022 when she developed chest pain and stopped going to school. Her grandson, Sammy Chepsiror, told 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 us all proud.”
A courageous decision to learn
Priscilla Sitienei, a Kenyan woman, chose not to lead an uneventful life, but resolved to begin her educational journey at the age of over 90. Living in a village in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, she approached the village school’s principal at the age of 94 and successfully persuaded him to allow her to enroll as a student.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) lauded Priscilla Sitienei’s choice and hailed her as a “role model for her community and others.” During an interview with UNESCO, she expressed that her purpose for pursuing education was to encourage young Kenyan women to continue studying even after childbirth, avoiding the path of dropping out due to shame or societal condemnation.
At the time, Priscilla Sitienei stated: “I don’t just want to be an example to them, but also to girls all over the world who are not in school.” She added: “If you’re not educated, you’re no different from a chicken. Education can give you a future, and it will always remain in your brain. Once you’re educated, you can’t lose it.”
A legacy that transcends borders
Priscilla Sitienei’s story is widely known and was captured in a French documentary titled “Gogo.” Last year, she took her first-ever flight to visit France and met with France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron.
Now that Priscilla Sitienei has left this world, her message continues to resonate. One of the scriptwriters of the documentary, Patrick Pessis, paid tribute to her online, writing: “Her message about girls’ education still exists.”
The timeless power of education
Mahatma Gandhi once said: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” The world is full of endless knowledge and a rich tapestry of people, events, and cultures. Lifelong learning enriches our own understanding and contributes to our personal growth and development.
Priscilla Sitienei’s unique decision to attend elementary school in her twilight years serves as a reminder that education enriches our lives, and that learning can begin at any time, depending entirely on one’s resolve.
Translated by Elaine, edited by Helena
