Kimani Maruge: The Story Of Oldest Primary School Student In The World
New Delhi:
Every once in a while amidst daily humdrums, we come across a story of grit and determination which inspires us and million others for pursuit of knowledge and education. Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge's story is one such story which is inspiring and highlights the importance of school education. Kimani Maruge, who died in 2009, is believed to be the oldest person who enrolled in primary school. Enrolling into school may not be a great achievement, but Kimani inspired others and made people realize the importance of education. Kimani Maruge was also honored by Google with a doodle in 2015.
Mr. Maruge was a former Mau Mau fighter who fought for Kenya's independence from the British. When Kenyan Government announced freeprimary education for all in 2002, Maruge decided to enroll.
His path was not easy, as his enrollment was fiercely opposed by parents and government officials. Although there are no official recorded of his birth date, it is believed that at the time of his enrollment he was 84, making him the oldest person in the world to enroll in school.
Mr. Maruge wanted to be able to read the Bible and count. He went to school alongside his two grandchildren. He lived for five years after his enrolment in school. He is entered in Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest person in school to attend primary school.
Though a very simple one, Maruge's is an example that education and literacy can be sought at any age. Today Maruge is remembered as a figure who threw light on the lifetime learning and how primary education was essential for everyone. His story has inspired many school dropouts in Kenya to get enrolled in school again and complete their schooling.
Mr. Maruge was also invited in 2005 New York to campaign with ActionAid and the Global Campaign for Education at a United Nations summit on the Millennium Development Goals. In 2010, a biographical drama film, 'The First Grader', was released based on the story of Kimani Maruge.
Click here for more Education News
Mr. Maruge was a former Mau Mau fighter who fought for Kenya's independence from the British. When Kenyan Government announced freeprimary education for all in 2002, Maruge decided to enroll.
His path was not easy, as his enrollment was fiercely opposed by parents and government officials. Although there are no official recorded of his birth date, it is believed that at the time of his enrollment he was 84, making him the oldest person in the world to enroll in school.
Mr. Maruge wanted to be able to read the Bible and count. He went to school alongside his two grandchildren. He lived for five years after his enrolment in school. He is entered in Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest person in school to attend primary school.
Though a very simple one, Maruge's is an example that education and literacy can be sought at any age. Today Maruge is remembered as a figure who threw light on the lifetime learning and how primary education was essential for everyone. His story has inspired many school dropouts in Kenya to get enrolled in school again and complete their schooling.
Mr. Maruge was also invited in 2005 New York to campaign with ActionAid and the Global Campaign for Education at a United Nations summit on the Millennium Development Goals. In 2010, a biographical drama film, 'The First Grader', was released based on the story of Kimani Maruge.
Click here for more Education News
