Elderly 'pupil' isolated
from young ones in class
An 84-year-old Mau Mau veteran recently enrolled in Standard One will now take his studies alone.
Mzee Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge was separated from his classmates � aged between six and eight years � because his presence in class will disrupt learning.
But he was upbeat about the move saying: "I don't care as long as I know how to read the Bible for myself, at least do some arithmetic and draw up a cheque by myself � in the hope that the British government will compensate us."
He would allow nothing to come between him and his determination to be literate, he said, adding: "I cannot understand why somebody should read the Bible to me and preach things I don't understand. I want to know how to read and write so that I can read the Holy Book myself."
The decision to separate him was reached after a visit to Kapkenduiywa Primary School, Eldoret, by education officials, led by the head of adult education, Mr John Kore.
The team held a short meeting with the headmistress, Ms Jane Obinchu, who then told Mzee Maruge about the conclusion.
He will receive books and other learning equipment as provided under the free primary education programme. He will wear the school uniform and will be attended to by a teacher specialised in adult education.
"Don't you think it is wrong to separate the old man from his children?" a reporter asked a teacher, who answered; "We have not separated him at all. What we have done is to provide him with a special class where he will get special attention."
On Tuesday, Mr Maruge told the Nation he failed to enrol in adult education because he felt it was too demanding.
Mr Kore denied the adult education programme had collapsed, saying Uasin Gishu had a population of 4,415 students and 1,642 of who attended classes daily.
The director of adult education in the ministry of Gender, Sports, Culture and Social Services, Ms Joyce Kebati, said the old man would distract other children's attention in class.
She said: "Maruge should not share the same classroom or learning facilities with the young pupils because his presence can only be a disruption."
He could not learn much with minors, she said. During the week, Father Joseph Kirimi of Embu Diocese's Nthagaiya Parish asked the Government to give special education to Mzee Maruge to avoid distracting young children.
"The man is having tedious education. The Government should have special education for such cases. He is also distracting the children's attention, which is not good for the free primary education," Fr Kirimi said by phone.
Though the old man was eager to know how to read and do some arithmetic, he needed to learn away from children so that they could concentrate.
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