I love this story! For me, this man represents the gentle dignity I've seen in so many Kenyan people. It represents the very human thirst for self-improvement and it also represents the respect people in other parts of the world have for the elderly.
Mr. Kimani Maruge had to pressure local teachers to be allowed to attend school. Having been refused several times, he simply appeared one morning, dressed in the appropriate uniform and took his seat. At age 85, he's decided he wants to learn to read and write.
Please note that Mr. Maruge remembers a time when the British colonized Kenya and he was part of Jomo Kenyatta's Mau-Mau rebellion. If anything, Mr. Maruge should be TEACHING his fellow students.
But, he wants to learn to read.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_objecti ... _page.html
World's Oldest Elementary Student
World's Oldest Elementary Student
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay
World's Oldest Elementary Student
Great Story!
I like that he saved his teacher from being transferred.
I like that he saved his teacher from being transferred.
The poolhall's a great equalizer. In the poolhall, nobody cares how old you are, how young you are, what color your skin is or how much money you've got in your pocket... It's about how you move. I remember this kid once who could move around a pool table like nobody had ever seen. Hour after hour, rack after rack, his shots just went in. The cue was part of his arm and the balls had eyes. And the thing that made him so good was... He thought he could never miss. I know, 'cause that kid was me.
World's Oldest Elementary Student
Great story indeed what a inspiration he must be.
ALOHA!!
MOTTO TO LIVE BY:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, champagne in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming.
WOO HOO!!, what a ride!!!"
MOTTO TO LIVE BY:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, champagne in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming.
WOO HOO!!, what a ride!!!"
World's Oldest Elementary Student
I saw a CNN blurb about this man and it said he IS inspiring other older folks to seek an education. He reminds me of times I've been out in the Kenyan "bush," and passed a group of Masai children, squatting on the ground, paying attention to a teacher with a blackboard.
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay
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chonsigirl
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World's Oldest Elementary Student
What a wonderful story! He is such an example! I like that he teaches the traditional stories to his classmates-and I laughed when it said he was mischieveous like any other boy! 
Oh, I am glad education is now available to all in Kenya. It is one of those things we take for granted here, but is not available in other countries.
Oh, I am glad education is now available to all in Kenya. It is one of those things we take for granted here, but is not available in other countries.
World's Oldest Elementary Student
Yes, when we consider that half of women in the Arab world are illiterate, and wonder what they could be doing to further the cause of science, culture and literacy for others--it's disheartening, to say the least.
I'd love to meet Mr. Maruge! My Kenyan friends have family in this town...I've written to see if they know of him.
I'd love to meet Mr. Maruge! My Kenyan friends have family in this town...I've written to see if they know of him.
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay