First Grader (1:43) 2010

Maruge is an eighty-four year old illiterate Kenyan, a member of  the Mau Mau. When the government that a free education is available to Kenyans, Maruge shows up at the local bush elementary school to become one of the students. Although he is initially refused entrance, Maruge finally wears down the head teacher, enrolls and begins attending daily.  Parents are upset with Maruge attending the school because the school is very overcrowded. Political pressure forces the transfer of the head teacher and the students react to the news by protesting and locking the school gates. Maruge decides to protest by going to the city and lodging a complaint with the state government of education.  Maruge protested as the British in the 1960s and sacrificed his family. Will his pleads be ignored? Based on a true events, First Grader is a very moving story. The flashbacks of Maruge's life are hard to watch as he was treated cruelly by the British. The movie is balanced by his belief in the importance of education. His actions inspire many, young and old. This is a must see!