The First Grader

Synopsis

In this warm and uplifting true story, an 84-year-old Kenyan man takes his government's new promise of free education for all literally, by applying to become the world's oldest ever primary school student. Naturally, his request causes surprise at the small, remote mountain school he approaches, but Maruge is so desperate to learn to read that he doesn't care if he's sitting in a classroom with six year olds. However, while impressed head teacher Jane is happy to have him as one of her pupils, parents and officials insist he's a waste of a place. Undeterred, Maruge fights on to prove his worth, building remarkable relationships with his young classmates and confronting his painful past in the process.