“I want to go to University and Study Agriculture” …65 Yrs Old BECE Candidate Reveals
By David Johnson
A Popular Sierra Leonean Grandmother, Mama Margret Yebeh Koroma, has broken age norms for being the oldest candidate to take this year BECE Exams.
Grandma Margret, aged 65, is living In Congo Water Community in the East End of Freetown.
She has defied the age norms and societal expectation for being the first oldest woman that belief that it is never too late to pursue her education and achieve her personal development.
Mama Margret Yebeh Koroma has always harbored a deep desire for Education. In 2020, she took the National Primary School Examination and came out with flying colors. And in 2023, she has just sat to the BECE and is expecting to come out with flying colors.
Despite facing several challenges including societal stigma and odds, Grandma Margret remained steadfast in her pursuit for education.
Speaking to this medium, Grandma Margret, said that she is proud to take the BECE Exams. “I am determined to take the BECE, go to the university and study agriculture”, she said, and expressed hope that she is going to pass the exams with flying colors.
According to her, when she was at tender age, her dream was to be an educated person, but her dream was shattered because of her poor family background. But said she decided to resuscitate her dream when President Bio introduced the Free Quality Education for all.
“When President Julius Maada Bio introduced the Free Quality Education, I see it as an opportunity to grab and go back to school”, Grandma Margret Koroma said, adding that she is proud of going back to school and take the Public Exams, which will enable her to go to the University and Study Agriculture.
She also continued that her dream to climb the academic pedestal is to become somebody else in the society and achieve what her mother has unable to do.
“My Mother has not been privileged to be educated and I what to achieve what my mother has unable to do”, she said.
Grandma Margret journey serves as an inspiration to people who may have put their educational aspirations on hold.
It encourages individuals to break free from societal expectations and pursue their dreams, regardless of age or any circumstances. Her story motivates others to believe in themselves and embrace the endless possibilities that education offers. The Remarkable individual embodies the spirit of perseverance.
