Egyptian grandmother learns to read and write — in pictures

Zubaida Abd Elaal, 87, a grandmother of 13, was prevented from getting an education by her conservative father and, later, her husband

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  '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

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  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

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  Ms Abd Elaal carries her school books as walks through a field

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  Zubaida Abd Elaal, 87, a grandmother to 13 grandchildren, reads the Koran, as she learns how to read and write in a literacy school, in the El-Menoufia governorate, north of Cairo, Egypt, February 23, 2023. Zubaida says she has wanted to learn to read and write for years but was stopped by her father and then her husband. REUTERS / Mohamed Abd El Ghany

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  Ms Abd Elaal sits with some of her grandchildren in a field

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