Based on a true story, ‘The First Grader’ is based on an illiterate old man is determined to be admitted into a primary school in rural Kenya. The story is based on the life of life of Kimani Ng’ange’a Maruge, an illiterate 84-year-old Kenyan whose fight to be admitted to the school in 2003 became a Los Angeles Times story and a worldwide sensation. Before it was over, his struggle would alienate neighbors, test teachers, inconvenience politicians, spark violence, trigger a public debate, and ultimately turn him into the poster child for the power of education.
Kimani Ng’ange’a Maruge holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest person to start primary school in January 2004.
The trailer looks interesting, inspiring and uplifting. I have never heard of story of Kimani Ng’ange’a Maruge, so I am quite intrigued. It made me think of all the adults I know who have moved from Africa to Australia with education and giving that up in Australia mainly because they thought they were too old. Hopefully a movie like this can change perceptions about education. I think you are never to old to get the education you need and want!
SOURCE: AFRICA IS A COUNTRY & THE LA TIMES