never giving up

Each morning, Durga Kami puts on his school uniform and prepares for another day of 10th grade. But not before he brushes his woolly, white beard.

Because unlike most 10th-grade students, Durga Kami is a 68-year-old grandfather.

Kami, a father of six and grandfather of eight, lives by himself in a one-room house in Syangja, Nepal. Photographer Navesh Chitrakar of Reuters followed Kami as he experienced a typical school day.

Durga Kami sits outside his house in Syangja, Nepal. Photo by Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters.

Kami grew up poor, and his family couldn't afford to keep him in school as a child.

Though he was unable to complete his studies, Kami never gave up on his dream of pursuing his education and one day becoming a teacher. Following his wife's death 15 years ago, Kami decided to work through his grief by returning to school. He even received a scholarship to cover his uniform and supplies.

Now in 10th grade, his 20 classmates call him Baa, which means father in Nepali. But even though he's old enough to be their grandfather, Kami isn't sitting on the sidelines.

Other than the fantastic beard, grandchildren, and decades of life experience, Kami is a lot like his classmates.

Six days a week, he walks more than an hour to Shree Kala Bhairab Higher Secondary School.

Kami makes his way to school with the aid of a walking stick. Photo by Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters.

He's quick to participate in class and isn't ashamed to ask for help when he needs it.

Photo by Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters.

He even plays sports with his friends at lunchtime.

Kami sets the ball during a lunchtime volleyball match. Photo by Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters.

Kami said he plans to study and learn for the rest of his life.

Not only that, but he hopes his effort encourages others to return to the classroom and improve their lives through education.

"If they see an old person with white beard like me studying in school they might get motivated as well," Kami told Reuters.

At night, Kami studies by flashlight; power outages are common. Photo by Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters.

Though he's still years away from becoming a teacher, Kami's already espoused one of life's greatest lessons.

He's living proof that we can be do-ers, dreamers, and go-getters at any age. And with the right attitude, there's no limit to what any of us can do.