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https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/11/curious-indian-woman-104-fulfils-dream-learning-read>
"For almost a century, Kuttiyamma’s daily routine had been much the same.
Rising early at home in the village of Thiruvanchoor in Kerala, the
104-year-old would begin her day’s work of cooking, cleaning and feeding the
cows and chickens.
But now, every morning, there’s something new to get up for. She eagerly awaits
the paperboy to deliver Malayala Manorama, the local newspaper.
For two hours, she buries herself reading the news and keeping herself informed
about what’s going on in the world. But it is only in recent months that she
has been able to fulfil this dream of hers – in April, Kuttiyamma finally began
to learn to read.
“I was always curious about what was happening around the world,” she said. “On
many occasions I regretted my inability to read newspapers and I used to plead
with the younger generations at home to read out newspapers to me. I always
wanted to write my name and address.”
After months of evening classes, she decided to take the Kerala state primary
literacy exam last month, the oldest woman to do so. She achieved 89% in
literacy and 100% in mathematics. It was a result that drew praise from the
state education minister, who tweeted: “Age is no barrier for knowledge. With
utmost respect and love, I wish Kuttiyamma and all other new learners the
best.”"
Via Glyn Moody.
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
