They say there is no end to education and learning, and a 46-year-old mother of two from Kurigram, the poorest as well as most backward district in the country, proved it once again as she obtained a 3.60 GPA (grade point average) and passed this year’s Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations.
Rahima Begum, wife of Abdul Jalil Sarkar Majnu of Kalilganj Najira Para in Sadar upazila in the district, works as a grade-4 clerk at the Kurigram Government College.
She sat for the examination from Kathal Bari Mahius Sunna Mohila Madrasha, determined to set an example that age is no bar for education.
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Rahima, mother to a son and a daughter, is in fact a grandmother who used to go and drop her grandson at school when at one stage, after many years, she felt the urge to sit for the Dakhil examination and obtain that first qualification.
That's when to make her dream come true, Rahima gained admission to the Kathal Bari Mahius Sunna Mohila Madrasha.
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Talking to our Kurigram correspondent, Rahima said: “I have been working at the Kurigram Government College for 25 years. The principal of the college used to encourage me during my studies and that’s why I could pass the Dakhil examination with a good score. Now my dream is to be admitted in class XI-XII.”
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Majida Akter Popy, daughter of Rahima, said “We are so surprised with the result of my mother as she passed the examination overcoming all obstacles and performing all household and service works.”
She also sought dua for her mother.
Mirza Nasir Uddin, Principal of Kurigram Government College, said Rahima is a clerk at the college, who decided to appear in this year’s Dakhil exam. He was pleased to note that she passed as well, with a 3.60 GPA.
“Neither age nor any barrier could stop her. She is a source of inspiration to those who failed to continue their study in the middle,” said Nasiruddin with pride.
He also promised to provide all necessary support to Rahima, if she wants admission into college for higher study.