50-year-old takes PLE exams

GATSIBO - A 50-year-old man who sat for primary leaving exams in Gatsibo District left many of his age mates believing that education has no age limit. Boniface Kabagema, a candidate who sat the exams at Nyamiyaga examination centre, was declared to be the oldest candidate in the district. Speaking to The New Times after his last exam, he said that he was inspired to go to school by his son who scores highly in class. “On top of fighting illiteracy, I was also inspired by my son who is now a senior-four student because of his brilliance in class. This made me decide to go to school and see if I can step in my son’s footsteps,” Kabagema said on Thursday. “He performs well in class but still struggles with the English language. He has since primary one, been scoring highly in other subjects,” his teacher, Fabien Karamaga said.However, his first enrolment in school was disruptive because Kabagema’s neighbours made fun of him, saying he had run mad. “But I gave a deaf ear to their mockery and continued with my studies,” he said expressing optimism he would pass the exams. “I am sure I will pass these exams because the questions we were asked were not difficult. I want to continue my studies up to University level,” Kabagema, said. According to Fillette Niwemugeni, one of Kabagema’s classmates, his concentration in class was quite unique. “He was always quiet in class and whenever we could go for break time to play, he would sit somewhere in a corner listening to his small radio,” she said. Ends