Egyptian grandmother, 87, who is learning to read and write — in pictures

Zubaida Abd Elaal, 87, a grandmother of 13, learns how to read and write in a literacy school in El-Menoufia province, north of Cairo, Egypt. All photos: Reuters
Ms Abd Elaal wanted to be educated since she was a child but was prevented from doing so by her conservative father and, later, her husband
A mother of eight, Ms Abd Elaal insisted that her daughters would pursue an education. To make sure they did not drop out of school, Abd Elaal used to buy goods and resell them on the street in front of the school to keep an eye on them
'When I found an opportunity, I asked to be enrolled in the classroom. The teacher offered to teach me at home but I told her I want to come to school to enjoy the feeling. I wished to sit on a classroom desk. I did my best, I wanted to achieve something, not just to be led by someone else,' Ms Abd Elaal said
Ms Abd Elaal is not only planning to continue her education and get a certificate but she is also keen on encouraging others to pursue adult literacy as she did
Ms Abd Elaal carries her school books as walks through a field
Ms Abd Elaal reads the Quran
Ms Abd Elaal sits with some of her grandchildren in a field