FAR RIGHT
zThe 73-year-old takes a nap in the classroom to refresh herself before an afternoon class.
NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN
She can look after herself better when she makes contact with state agencies.
Mrs Saeng gets up early like other students. She joins a line of children as they march together to school. After morning prayers, she enters class, and takes the textbooks out of her basket.
Her eyes still work well, so that is no problem. She needs only one thing extra in class _ a bigger chair than the children, so she can sit comfortably while studying.
''Grandma always gives us desserts,'' said eight-year-old Natapong Manowan, who sits besides Mrs Saeng and has become her personal tutor.
She learns only Thai. While the children study other subjects, Mrs Saeng practises reading and writing.
''Grandma also joins school activities, including cleaning the classroom,'' said teacher Wiparat Chumanong.
Her presence has had a positive influence on the children.
The sight of an old woman sweeping the floor has impressed the younger ones. Those who would be normally reluctant to pick up a broom now offer to help Mrs Saeng clean, said Mrs Wiparat.
''When I am old, I don't know whether I would be brave enough to go back to school,'' said Wranya Rachakom, mother of one Mrs Saeng's classmates.
Mrs Saeng does not have second thoughts. In the pursuit of her dream, she just does what she has to do.
To the children, Mrs Saeng is a model of hard work, determination and good behaviour. She has taught them that people are never too old to learn, even in the prime of their lives
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