An 81-year-old indigenous community member has completed her state primary school education so that she can teach her fellow villagers how to read and write.
Ernestina Diaz, who lives in the Tarahumara mountain range in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, was also honoured by the regional education department for completing her studies.
The 81-year-old, who is a member of the Raramuri indigenous people based in Chihuahua, received her primary school diploma and now reportedly plans on taking her secondary school studies.
According to local media, Diaz plans to impart her knowledge with the children in her community and teach them how to read and write.
The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) said that there are 3,704,998 people aged 15 or over in Mexico who are unable to read or write.
There is estimated to be 1.3 million people in the country who speak indigenous languages and 2.3 million indigenous people who are aged 60 or over.
A 2006 reported estimated that there are between 50,000 and 70,000 Raramuri people in northern Mexico.
According to local media, they are renowned for their agility and long-distance running ability.
A spokesperson for the regional education department said: “The story of Ernestina Diaz and people like her make us continue to increase awareness and launch initiatives that offer education to all Mexicans.”
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Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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