Defying norms 92-year-old Turkish woman attends school

By Gokhan Gucukluoglu

SINOP, Turkey

A 92-year-old woman in northeastern Turkey is realizing a childhood dream: learning how to read and write, an opportunity she missed as a child.

Gullu Sarac is one of the eight women attending a course in Black Sea Sinop province as part of a literacy campaign.

Sarac is the oldest and most determined student.

“My children tried to teach me [how to read and write] for years, but until now, I had never attended school,” she said.

Sarac, after being encouraged by her sister, began attending Gazi Primary School every weekday.

“It is good that the course is being held at a school because I always wanted to sit at these school desks,” she said.

In a short period of time, she has developed reading skills.

“I can now read some articles, but I hope I will learn to write as well with the help of our teachers,” she said.

Once she is able to write, she says she wants to list the names of her children and grandchildren.

“I want to write down the names of my children and grandchildren,” she said.