Online Reporter
H-Metro Reporter
IT’S probably the sweetest feel-good story of the year.
And, it’s such an incredibly heart-warming tale that some of our readers even believed it was a Fool’s Day prank.
Yesterday, we published the story of probably the oldest Grade 7 student in the world.
Gogo Alice Chiwara is 71.
She is a Grade 7 student at Open Minds Learning Centre in Chitungwiza and went to school because she is “tired of asking her grand kids to write for her.”
She was born on July 7, 1954, in Hurungwe.
She is rewriting her story after being denied education as a girl.
“Our parents used to say a girl child is not supposed to go to school because they become prostitutes,” she told H-Metro.
Instead of school, her life was about farming, selling chickens, goat meat, vegetables and fetching firewood.
By just 17, she was already married.
But the pain of being uneducated followed her into adulthood.
“What made me want to go to school is that I could not read or write. I couldn’t even fill in forms,” she said.
“If I wanted to write a letter, I had to ask my children.”
The reaction, from some of our readers, was just amazing.
One of them even dismissed it as an April Fools’ Joke.
“April Fools’ Day,” said Brendon Mpehla
Others, though, showered Gogo with praise.
“Ndidzo news idzi. Inspiring,” said Mildred Takafuma Motsi.
Pedzisai Gurundoro replied:
“My grandma wrote her Grade 7 in 1999 the same year I wrote and was so proud of her 24 units.”
Rudo Jaqueline wrote:
“Wow good Gogo.”
Alvin Allen Mujinga added:
“Vazukuru can steal so better kuita Grade 7 but mari yapinda mu Ecocash vanotenga airtime mukasaziva.”
Wellyknock Sibanda replied:
“Well done Gogo,” while Chipo added: “I admire her.” Runyararo Angela Marara said: “Pambili nemabook,” while Regis Kangaimbeu said: “Wari kushaya wekuswera navo pamba chete kaava.”
Emmanuel Jeke said “Vakapasa here Gogo?” while Lawrence Jowani could only reply, “Kudzidza hakuperi shuwa.”
Komborerai Ayatollah Jeko said: “Woow, this is amazing.”
Pride Mana Manna Manhuwa said “wonders shall never end, in Mai Azuka’s voice.”
Bell WaShe could only say, “Wow well done Gogo.”
Gogo revealed that her inspiration to get an education was fuelled when she started travelling and interacting with English speakers.
“I would meet people who spoke English and I didn’t know how to respond. I would just look at them,” she said.
Even her own grandchildren became a challenge.
“They spoke English and I didn’t know what to say. That also motivated me.”
In 2022, at 68, she made a bold move – she went back to school.
“On my first day there were only children and I was the oldest but they told me it was okay,” she said.
And she didn’t just fit in, she EXCELLED.
“They tested me and in a few months I was moved to Grade 2… I even skipped a grade because I was performing well.”
Now in Grade 7, Gogo Alice is shining.
“In 2025, I was performing better than most of the kids. I was top of the class,” she said.
“I wake up at 3am to do my homework. My lessons start at 6am and I walk 45 minutes to school.”
In class, she’s a celebrity!
“The children call me ‘granny’. Some ask my age and I tell them I am 10 years old and they get surprised.
“They hold my hands and ask why they are wrinkled and who ironed them.”
Mathew Masinge