By Abdullah Al-Dahhas

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

MAKKAH — The bouquet of flowers and a certificate of appreciation from the Ministry of Education are not enough to describe the achievement of Noura Jazi Al-Baqami, a 75-year-old Saudi woman who won her battle for literacy by completing the second intermediate year after enrolling in an adult education school in the holy city of Makkah.

The school organized a party in honor of Al-Baqami to celebrate her success and give hope to other elderly women who are reluctant to go for education at an advanced age.

Al-Baqami said this academic year would be engraved in her memory because she was able to complete her second intermediate year amid many difficulties and ups and downs.

«Through perseverance and strong determination I was able to complete my second year and will proceed until I finish this stage,» she said.

She appreciated the efforts of the Education Ministry to provide free of charge education to young and old Saudis alike in government schools.

«The ministry is carrying the beacon of light for everyone who wants to walk down the tunnel to compete their education,» Al-Baqami said.

Amina Al-Ghamdi, assistant director general of the department of education who presented Al-Baqami with her appreciation certificate and the bouquet of flowers, said the ministry was determined to upgrade the educational level of Saudi males and females to help them cope with global changes and to meet the requirements of societal development.

She asked women to be inspired by the experience of Noura Al-Baqami and not to shy away from completing their education whatever their age.