70-Year-Old Moroccan Woman Takes Baccalaureate Exam

Rabat – This year, 441,065 Moroccans sat for the Baccalaureate exam nationwide. The age and background of those sitting for the test varied from 17-year-old school students up to this year’s oldest participant, 70-year-old Fettoum El Youssoufi.

A picture of El Youssoufi taking the test is circulating on Facebook, with commenters congratulating the Sale-native en masse. “This respectable lady, Fettoum El Youssoufi, is the oldest baccalaureate candidate this year. At age 70, she participated in the city of Salé. Bravo dear madam and good luck,” the picture was captioned.

“Better late than never. This woman has merit,” one user commented. Another user cheekily commented “this participant won’t cheat, at least,” in reference to the 3,000 cases of cheating on the exam recorded this year.

Each year, the oldest participant of the baccalaureate exam is praised online for showing that it is never too late to accomplish your goals.

Originally from Tangier, Fettoum said that her goal is to study Islamic law. She added that she was encouraged by many people to take the exam, including the headmaster of the school where she sat the exam.

The ambitious woman said that she dreams of meeting King Mohammed VI if she gets her baccalaureate. She also wants to teach people in mosques.

Last year’s oldest participant, 69-year-old Lahcen Chakiri, gained considerable attention on social media for his determined spirit. He stated that his move will help “to inspire young and rising generations to work and persevere to achieve their goals.”