There is no age limit for completing studies, 59-year-old Sylvester Shadap from Meghalaya is determined to prove this. Shadap, who dropped out of school nearly 37 years ago due to family and financial obligations, is now preparing to retake the Class 10 exam. He will appear in the SSLC examination under the Second Chance Learning Program of Meghalaya. 9,767 ex-students have registered as private candidates for this examination. Among these, Shadap is the oldest candidate. He says that along with completing his incomplete studies, he also wants to inspire people who dropped out of school for some reason.

Dropped out of school due to family responsibilities

Sylvester Shadap is a resident of Thadrang Umangam village in Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya. He dropped out of school in the year 1989. The financial condition of the family was not good at that time and taking care of household responsibilities became her priority. In such a situation it became difficult for him to continue his studies. Shadap said that even after leaving school, he was always stressed about his incomplete education. He never thought that at the age of 59 he would get a chance to clear 10th again.

Want to inspire others to study

Shadap says that appearing in the SSLC exam again is not just an opportunity for him to complete his studies. He wants his story to be an inspiration to those who dropped out due to financial problems, family obligations or any other reason. He said he wanted to convey the message to his family and the children of today’s generation that it is never too late to get an education.

There is no age limit

There is no upper age limit for resuming studies in Second Chance Learning Program of Meghalaya. Through it, teenagers, youth and adults from all 12 districts of the state can rejoin the education system. This initiative is a joint effort of Government of Meghalaya, Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) and MPOWER. Under this, school dropouts are given an opportunity to complete their 10th standard education. The SSLC exam will be held in December.