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90-year-old Kenyan woman attends primary school with her great-great-grandchildren

Priscilla Sitienei might be the oldest primary-school pupil in the world.

Five years ago, the now-90-year-old midwife enrolled at Leaders Vision Preparatory School in Kenya’s Rift Valley.

Affectionately called “Gogo,” translated as “grandmother,” by her much younger classmates — some of whom she helped deliver — Sitienei told BBC News why she was determined to learn to read and write alongside six of her great-great-grandchildren.

"I’d like to be able to read the Bible; I also want to inspire children to get an education,” she said in her native Kalenjin. “Too many older children are not in school. They even have children themselves.”

When she encounters children who are not in school, she challenges them to rethink enrollment, using herself as an example.

"They tell me they are too old," she said. “I tell them, ‘Well I am at school and so should you.’

"I see children who are lost, children who are without fathers, just going round and round, hopeless. I want to inspire them to go to school."

Sitienei hopes her new-found education will help her pass on her midwifery skills and write down all she knows about herbal medicine.

While she’s busy with her studies throughout the week, Sitienel continues to assist with births on weekends.

"I want to say to the children of the world, especially girls, that education will be your wealth, don’t look back and run to your father," she said.

"With education you can be whatever you want, a doctor, lawyer or a pilot.”

Headmaster David Kinyanjui told the BBC that Sitienei “has been a blessing to this school” and motivates the other pupils.

She is loved by every pupil, they all want to learn and play with her.”

The current world record for oldest person to begin primary school is held by Kenyan Kimani Maruge, who enrolled in school at the age of 84 and died four years later.

Leaders Vision Preparatory School will be contacting record keepers about their 90-year-old student.