The First Grader

The First Grader

This was one of the better films I saw at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was the runner-up for the People’s Choice award. It was based on the true story of Maruge, a former Mau Mau rebel in Kenya who wanted to learn to read and write.

Maruge was 84 years old. He was tall and straight and always walked with a long stick. He had a regal bearing.

It was a rural area and he had to walk for miles to get to the small country school. The school was barely a shack and situated in the dry dusty countryside. They did not want him as a student and told him the school was only for small children. It was a Government free school and they said there was an age limit.

The teacher was kind hearted and listened to his plea. She agreed to have him sit in her class. He said,” I’m not dead and I don’t want to rest in peace.”

He arrives at school in proper clothes, knee socks and short pants. It was very touching.

A little girl who limps helps him. IT was touching and emotional.

Maruge gets the children chanting songs and is helpful to the teacher.

The authorities are not happy with the situation. They ban Maruge from the school and the teacher is relocated. Maruge fights to get her back.

Throughout the film we learn about past atrocities in the region.

Maruge tries an adult school but is totally unsatisfied. He is so eager to learn to read and write. He states,” We are nothing if we cannot read. We are useless.”

This is a very moving film. I did learn a lot about the past atrocities and the history of the region.

At the end of the film we were told that the teacher is still at the school. That same school now has electricity and water.

This was a great film on many levels. The story is fascinating. It is well told. The history is interwoven into the story. The acting is excellent.