Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Source: Masrawy
Egyptian grandmother learns to read at 76 to fulfil lifelong dream
Dreams know no age limits. In the sun-drenched city of Aswan, Egypt, 76-year-old Fatma Ali Mohamed has proven that hope and perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements, no matter when the journey begins.
Fatma’s school days ended early. As a young girl, she left school in the second grade. Soon after, she married and devoted herself to raising a large family—five sons and four daughters. Yet even as the years passed and her children grew, one dream never faded: Fatma longed to learn to read and write. She told Masrawy that her dearest wish was to read the Holy Quran on her own.
While Fatma’s own opportunities were curtailed, she was determined that her children would not face the same obstacles. Every one of them attended school. Her two daughters graduated from the School of Education and are now teachers; her third daughter completed a five-year diploma for teachers. Her sons also completed secondary education and earned diplomas in business and industry.
Still, Fatma’s unfinished dream gently beckoned. One day, her granddaughter, Alaa, who volunteered at a literacy class, invited her grandmother to join. At first, Fatma hesitated. The idea of starting over at her age felt daunting. But with loving encouragement from Alaa and support from her family, Fatma found the courage to begin.
Her children rallied around her, helping at home so she could focus on her lessons. On the day of the final exam, her family stood by her side, their pride and excitement as bright as the Aswan sun. Fatma passed the exam with flying colors—and finally, she could open the Quran and read the sacred words herself.
Fatma’s story is a testament to the power of family, perseverance, and the belief that education is a lifelong pursuit. Her journey inspires us all to never give up on our dreams, for it is never too late to begin again.