STORY: THE OLDEST PUPIL ( BS 6 UNIT 3)

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The share in this blog has no commercial, but educational purposes.

Kimani Maruge was born in Kenya in 1919. Or 1920? Or 1921? No one knows for sure!

When Kimani was seven, there were no free schools. Kimani was a cowherd with his dad. He wasn’t at school.

Kimani's dad: It’s time for work, Kimani.

Kimani: I want to go to school.

Kimani's dad: I’m sorry. There isn’t any money.

Kimani was a cowherd all his life. Sometimes the animals were sick and Kimani was sad.

Kimani: I love animals. But I can’t help them when they are sick. I‘m not a vet.

In 2003, there was a new law in Kenya – free education for everyone. Kimani was about 84 years old!

Kimani: I want to go to school.

Kimani's son :Why? You are too old!

Kimani: I want to be a vet.

Kimani’s trousers weren’t short enough.

Kimani: I need a school uniform.

Kimani walked to school with his grandchildren.

Child: Why is your grandad wearing a school uniform?

Kimani's grandchild: Grandad is starting school today!

At school, the head teacher was surprised.

Head teacher: Why do you want free education?

Kimani: I want to be a vet.

Child 1: I want to be a doctor.

Child 2: I want to be a lawyer.

Kimani was in Class 1 with his grandchildren. He was a good pupil.

Teacher: What’s the capital of Kenya?

Kimani: I know. Nairobi.

In 2004, Kimani was in the record books. Lots of older people were at school now but he was the oldest primary pupil in the world.

Person: Look, Mr Maruge. It’s you!

One day, there was a letter from the United Nations in the USA.

Head teacher: Mr Maruge, they want you to go to the USA.

Kimani: Why me?

Head teacher: They want you to talk about free education.

2005, At the United Nations …

Teacher: More than 100,000 poor children in the world can’t go to school.

Kimani: Free primary education is very important. Please help the children.

There were lots of reporters at the United Nations.

Reporter 1: People all round the world want to know about you, Mr Maruge.

Reporter 2: Why go to school when you are so old?

Kimani: Because you are never too old to learn.

Write a comment, answer the questions, write long sentences and win extra points.

1. Where was Kimani born?
     Kimani was born in Kenya.
     Kimani was born in Cameroon.
     Kimani was born in Zimbabwe.

2. What is Kimani’s job?
     He's a builder.
     He's a cowherd.
     He's a nurse.

3. What does Kimani want to be?
    He wants to be a doctor.
    He wants to be a vet.
    He wants to be a lawyer.

4. Who walks to school with Kimani?
     He walks to school with his friends.
     He walks to school with his children.
     He walks to school with his grandchildren.

5. Why was Kimani in the records book in 2004?
     Because he was the cleverest pupil in the world.
     Because he was the oldest pupil in the world.
     Because he was the tallest pupil in the world.