In a classroom in the Rift Valley in rural Kenya, a student takes notes with her classmates. She wears the same school uniform – a grey skirt and a green sweater. However, there is a difference. Priscilla Setinei is more than 80 years older than him.
Setinei turned 99 on February 11. She said that she went back to class to set a good example for her great-grandson. She also wants a new career.
“I would like to be a doctor because I used to be a midwife,” she told Reuters. They were in support of their child
Back in 2003, the government of the East African country began helping pay for the cost of primary schooling. This has allowed some older members of the society, who missed out on education in their younger days.
It has given Setinei much more than an education. She has also become a film star.
Setinei traveled to Paris last year for the launch of a film about her travels. Its title is Gogo, which means grandmother in its native Kalenjin language. She will also soon travel to New York City for the screening of the film.
Setinei is in her sixth year of primary school. She says her goal was much more practical than becoming a movie star.
She said that she got the idea when her great-granddaughter dropped out of school after becoming pregnant. Setinei said that she jokingly asked hes great-granddaughter if she had money left over for school fees, and she said yes. So, Setinei told her that she would use it to go to school.
She said that she hoped that her great-granddaughter would continue her studies. But when she refuses, Setinei decides to let her go to school. So enjoys other school activities including physical education classes.
“It keeps me fit,” she said. “I get to jump around even though they don’t do that much… but I at least move my body. That’s what makes me happy.”
Setinei shares her extensive experience and knowledge with the children. Her teachers also use her experience to keep the peace during the lesson. Her class teacher, Leonida Talm, said that she uses Setinei to help control the classroom. And it works!
“When I go out,” said the teacher, “the class is silent.”
