First a confession: It usually takes me weeks to decide who is going to get the Mentalacrobatics Person of the Year Award. This year is different however. I had decided by the end of January and challenged the year to change my mind. Instead of changing, my choice was reinforced in my mind.
The Mentalacrobatics Person of the Year 2005 is
Mzee Kimani Nganga Maruge
For those not familiar with Mzee Maruge’s story he is the oldest man in Kenya to start school - aged 84. In fact the great-grandfather has now won a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest person in the world to start primary school.
Mzee Maruge’s story is brilliant for many reasons.
- First of all his motivation to start school. He wants to read the bible, he does not know how to read, so he enrols at school to learn to read. Problem, solution. Sometimes the solution to our problems is right in front of our eyes. Yet we over complicate things and get tied up in details instead of attacking the problem.
- Second his fortitude and determination. Enrolling in primary school after 84 years in this world can not be easy. The comments, the snide remarks, the scorn but in his own words, “Let them who want to make fun of me do it. I will continue to learn.”
- Thirdly his unpretentiousness. All the pictures I have seen of him in school he is wearing the school uniform. He doesn’t want to be different, doesn’t demand to be different. He is there to learn. He is enjoying the experience. After visiting New York to speak at the United Nations he told BBC’s Network Africa programme he had been having a good time visiting, and was learning a lot which he would take back to his classmates. Take back to his classmates. He sees them as his equal at least in the classroom.
Pride and a lack of determination floor many of the people in this world. He seems to have mastered them both. His determination to reach his goal is an example to us all. See another picture here.
Pamoja Tuangamize Ukimwi
Kaybees - Thanks for voting!
24 comments
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December 16, 2005 at 11:21 am
kenyanmusings
Mental,
Really, that is one of the most wunnerful posts. That guy makes me want to cry every single friggin time. He is so humble, humble and determined, so many of us will be well advised to have some of him (not literally cos eeeeeuuughhhh!) rub off on us. It is shaming even to think that sometimes the clock ticks on us even for 1 year and there we go giving up. This guy. 84 years. Try and beat that. And when he went to NY, I was the most proudest of him. Oh, he is so my hero!
Okay no need to PMS on your blog is there?…(**wiping tears and composing self), on another note, since you are the Don around here, how come my posts dont show on Nchi Yetu? waah! I want! Tebu hook up a sister, while making allowance for the fact that I am very technorogicarri sharrenged. Thanks.
December 16, 2005 at 11:24 am
Nyakehu
MA this is a very inspired choice of the Person of the Year last year when he started school he gave me and many others hope and the reason for wanting to go back to school was sheer awe-inspiring. This is one of the best PofY choice.
December 16, 2005 at 1:56 pm
Ms K
This really is a brilliant choice. You hould send it to Time magazine.
And you’re right, there is so much we can all learn from him. Its amazing, I sjust stopped and thought about it, and you know what, he really is an inspiration!
And heh heh he got jokes too! When he was going to the US, he said he was gonna look for a white woman to marry so she could take care of him and his family. Rock on GrandPapi!!
December 16, 2005 at 1:58 pm
Ms K
@KenyanMusings
For that you’ll have to get hold of a ghost called Deno. Good luck with that though cos he’s the Grand Master Lurker!
December 16, 2005 at 3:59 pm
Keguro
He gives me hope.
Old(er) people can learn.
Great Choice!
Now, will you be honoring him with a goat, a cow, a ram, a chicken, or just words?
December 16, 2005 at 4:17 pm
JKE
Let me just add this scanned image/article from the Daily Nation….
Mental - great choice!
December 16, 2005 at 4:33 pm
CA
hey mental…wonderful choice, i can’t think of anyone better to choose as person of the year.
let this serve as an inspiration to those of us who often give up and think it’s too late to start over.
December 18, 2005 at 3:52 am
Helen
Wow. I’m so inspired. I’ve heard of him but really commend your choice for this year. As an grad student in education I’ve noticed that the only deterrent to lifelong learning is pride. Pride manifests itself in caring how others think of you, feeling like a product rather than an innovator of tradition and a lack of willingness to take risks.
All Africans have a lot to learn from this bright and opportunity-driven man.
December 19, 2005 at 5:02 am
kenyanmusings
Ms K….now that we are blogging on mental’s blog….yeah, I got a hold of Denis.
Mental…sawa, lenga that vibe. I have been duly taken care of! Thanks though.
December 19, 2005 at 7:43 pm
prousette
Agree totally with the choice, he is an inspiration to many.
December 19, 2005 at 11:19 pm
WM
It is an inspired choice.
Hey, remember me?
I was once a mind…
December 20, 2005 at 10:43 am
Wangari
perfect choice M.
that man gives me hope..
December 20, 2005 at 7:21 pm
s!
wow, that is indeed inspirational!
December 21, 2005 at 6:11 pm
Irena
I can’t think of a better choice !!!
December 22, 2005 at 3:57 pm
Mutumia
Yes- agreeing that this man is inspiring in that I look at him and see what he’s done and want to make changes in my life.
Have an inspirational holiday.
Or just unleash another Mental Video too!
December 23, 2005 at 6:55 pm
Poi/Cilia
Merry, Merry Xmas & Happy New Year
awaiting your return…
December 25, 2005 at 2:14 am
j.
this is inspiring; i wish every single high school dropout could see this and know that it’s never too late.
December 26, 2005 at 1:17 pm
gishungwa
I think he is the embodiement of never giving up and it never being too late to pursue what your heart desires. Truly never too late…
December 27, 2005 at 7:05 am
akiey
And some folks with all their youth in them still grumble & whine about not being able to get stuff done!? Nice choice & very inspiring too. He deserves the honour.
BTW….Nick, Blue Poet, Gishungwa, Butterfly, Milonare, Thinker, Guessaurus, Machozi, Shiroh…with special appearance of Wanduma(Blue’s Brother and contributor) and MentalAcrobatics…..
Naaaah, you people didn’t meet at all. Where’s the photos & posts to prove this,huh?
December 27, 2005 at 10:40 pm
cute_angel
hey mental…happy new year
December 29, 2005 at 4:17 pm
WM
Well, Mental, you sure know how to pick them. My only regret is that I do not have the teaching of him. How are you?
December 30, 2005 at 2:50 am
jamal
thats a real achievement there.
January 16, 2006 at 12:46 am
Mentalacrobatics
This year’s choice is much better received than last years!
Thank you all for your comments.
February 11, 2006 at 10:06 pm
Eve
Jeez, and I thought I was too old to go for my degree at 26 !!! I’m humbled ….