The World’s oldest primary school student, Priscilla Sitieni is dead.
Recall that CEOAFRICA had reported that Sitieni’s resolve to acquire an education in her 90s inspired a French film and won praise from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Her death was disclosed by her grandson, Sammy Chepsiror, during an interview with newsmen on Thursday.
He said; ‘’Gogo Priscilla (Granny Priscilla), as she was fondly known, died at home on Wednesday after developing a chest complication.’’
“Gogo has been in good health and attending her classes until three days to her demise when she developed chest pains, which forced her out of school.”
“We are thankful for the 100 years of her life. She made all of us proud.”
According to UNESCO, Sitieni was 94 years old when she persuaded the headmaster of the local school in her village in Kenya’s Rift Valley to admit her.
UNESCO hailed her as “a role model for her community and beyond”.
In an interview with the UN agency last year, she said her aim was to motivate young mothers in Kenya to return to school after having children, instead of dropping out due to shame or fear of social stigma.
She said; “I wanted to show an example not only to them but to other girls around the world who are not in school.”
“Without education, there will be no difference between you and a chicken.”
“Education is your future. Education remains in your head forever and you cannot lose it once you have it.”
Priscilla Sitieni’s efforts were documented in a French film titled “Gogo”, which led her to take a plane for the first time last year to visit France and meet first lady Brigitte Macron.
She died at the age of 99 years.