BANTEAY MEANCHEY: "Age is not a barrier to knowledge" – this is the message of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, praising a 56-year-old Baccalaureate candidate, Hem Sinath, who is still pursuing her high school diploma.

Hem Sinath is taking the Baccalaureate exam at the National University of Meanchey exam center in Serey Sophorn City, Banteay Meanchey Province. She is currently working as a literacy teacher in Thmor Romiel village of Banteay Chhmar commune.

She is the oldest candidate taking the Baccalaureate exam among the more than 120,000 candidates registered this year. The 56-year-old has received admiration and praise from many as she was not shy or afraid of taking the high school diploma exam at her age, and has now set a positive example for those candidates who may have similarly failed in previous years but continue to pursue their studies without giving up.

A Facebook account under the name Lav Tola Serey Sohorn posted a photo of Hem Sinath, after receiving her permission, expressing sympathy and admiration for the mature candidates who continue to work hard to pass the high school exams regardless of age.

The account holder, who was an observer at the Meanchey National University exam center, wrote, "I asked her why she wanted the degree at this age, and she replied that she wants to work as a teacher and earn money to raise her children because she has no power to do heavy work. Even walking is hard as her hands and feet hurt, and her children have nothing to eat at home."

According to the observer, candidate Hem Sinath is a widow who continues to raise four children.