Abdel-Qader Abu Ajameya, an 81-year-old grandfather who never stopped dreaming of graduating high school, is currently working towards fulfilling his lifelong goal for the second year in a row.
According to Huffpost Arabi, the retired food salesman from Hebron in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank had failed to pass the national exams for the first time last year but is still determined to succeed, studying for 5 hours every single day ahead of a resit this year.
Speaking to interviewers, the inspirational grandfather said that "education has nothing to do with age, we shouldn't stop learning even when we grow old."
He also went on to explain that his aim is to set an example for younger generations and his message to them is to "never stop learning."
Abu Ajameya began school in a village near Ramla prior to the Nakba, but was forced to flee along with his family amid the Arab-Israeli war.
He eventually became a refugee in the West Bank and was forced to give up school and sell food soon after to help his siblings and family survive.
Getting an education was always extremely important to Abu Ajameya, but it remained an unfulfilled dream until he retired a few years back and decided that nothing, not even his age, would stop him from going after it again.
Obstacles fade in the face of determination
After suffering a stroke in recent months, Abu Ajameya's hand movement became restricted, making it extremely difficult for him to write. But not even that will stop him from sitting through his exams; He dictates his answers to an aide who notes them down.
The grandfather receives support from his entire family, especially his wife who treats him the way any mother would treat an 18-year-old getting ready to sit for high school exams.
His sons, daughters and 36 grandchildren also support him. They reveal that they are extremely proud of his determination and strength.
The exam results are due in mid-July and Abu Ajameya's family plans to host a huge celebration if he succeeds this year.
Good luck Jeddo Abdel Qader!
