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".
Priscilla Sitienei dite Gogo nous a quitté à 100 ans. J’avais écrit avec Pascal Plisson GOGO, film qu’elle enchantait de sa grâce. Au Kenya, choquée que ses petites-filles n’aillent pas à l’école, elle s’y inscrit. Pour l’exemple. Son message sur l’éducation des filles demeure❤️ pic.twitter.com/BOTANoPAbE
— Patrick Pessis (@PatrickPessis) November 17, 2022
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.
Latest Stories
-
2024 Election: I am sad EC disqualified me, but I endorse CPP’s candidate – PNP’s Nabla
20 mins -
I want to build a modern, inclusive country anchored by systems and data – Bawumia to CSOs
21 mins -
Miss Health Ghana 2024: Kujori Esther Cachana crowned new Health Ambassador
29 mins -
Livestream: The manifesto debate on WASH and climate change
35 mins -
Alan Kyerematen saddened by NDC and NPP’s neglect of Krofrom Market in the Ashanti Region
39 mins -
CSIR Executive Director urges farmers to adopt technology for improved farming
52 mins -
Football Impact Africa’s Ghetto Love Initiative inspires change in Teshie
1 hour -
Peter Toobu calls for tighter border security over uncovered weapons at Tema Port
1 hour -
Gov’t has failed its commitment to IPPs – Ablakwa
1 hour -
Sell Chrome to end search monopoly, Google told
1 hour -
KATH to install seven new dialysis machines by end of November
1 hour -
Walewale: Police confiscate 37 bags of cocoa beans suspected of being smuggled out of Ghana
2 hours -
‘Expired’ Rice Scandal: FDA confirms rice was safe for consumption after rigorous lab tests
2 hours -
Many women have experienced intimate partner violence – Angela Dwamena Aboagye
2 hours -
Power challenges persist due to government’s mismanagement of revenues – Okudzeto Ablakwa
3 hours