World’s oldest pupil, Gogo dies in Kenya at age 99

Gogo Priscilla Sitieni, the oldest primary school pupil in the world, passed away in Kenya at the age of 99, according to local media.

Sitieni’s determination to complete her education in her 90s inspired a French movie and garnered acclaim from UNESCO.

Gogo Priscilla, or “Granny Priscilla,” as she was affectionately called, passed away at home on Wednesday as a result of a chest problem, according to her grandson Sammy Chepsiror, who spoke to newsmen.

“Gogo has been in good health and attending her classes until three days to her demise when she developed chest pains, which forced her out of school,” he told newsmen on Thursday.

“We are thankful for the 100 years of her life. She made all of us proud,” he added.

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According to UNESCO, which recognized her as “a role model for her community and beyond,” she persuaded the headmaster of the local school in her village in Kenya’s Rift Valley to admit her when she was 94 years old.

Her goal, she stated in an interview with a UN agency last year, is to encourage young mothers in Kenya to finish their education after having children rather than abandon it out of embarrassment or concern about social stigma.

“I wanted to show an example not only to them but to other girls around the world who are not in school.

“Without education, there will be no difference between you and a chicken.

“Education is your future. Education remains in your head forever and you cannot lose it once you have it,” she said.

Her achievements were featured in the French movie “Gogo,” which encouraged her to travel by plane for the first time in order to meet Brigitte Macron, the first lady of France, last year.

The film’s co-writer Patrick Pessis paid tribute to her on Thursday, tweeting: “Her message about girls’ education lives on.”

World’s oldest pupil, Gogo dies in Kenya at age 99