110-Year-Old Saudi Woman Returns to School to Complete her Education

By returning to school at the age of 110, a Saudi woman has given the proverb "better late than never" a fresh perspective. With assistance from the Al-Rahwa Center in the southwest of the Kingdom's Umwah governorate, Nawda Al-Qahtani resumed her educational pursuits.

The mother of four, who has an 80-year-old oldest kid and a 50-year-old youngest, told Arab News that being able to read and write has changed her life. She has attended school each day with more than 50 other participants in the center's illiteracy eradication program since joining it a few weeks ago.
 

Basic letter skills and a few Qur'anic passages are taught to students of all ages. Al-Qahtani claimed that she takes an interest in the classes and makes it a point to finish her homework each day.

Thinking about going back to school "was a difficult matter, especially for someone over 100 years of age," she said, according to reports. She stated that the move was long overdue and that she ought to have finished school years ago.

The four children of Al-Qahtani support her academic endeavors and are positive about the change in her life. 

Mohammed, her 60-year-old son, informed reporters that he always drives his mother to the center in the morning and waits for her there after courses. She continues to grow and learn, which makes him delighted and proud.

“We certainly know that this matter is not easy for our mother, who is over 110 years old. But it is a step that makes all members of the family feel proud. We really wish we could go back in time to provide her with the best educational services.”