Severino Nascimento da Silva is 94 years old and has just achieved something he waited practically his entire life for: learning to read and write. The Brazilian farmer received his literacy diploma at a ceremony held in Teresina, in the state of Piauí.
Severino lost his parents when he was a child and, at 6 years old, was raised by his godparents. From a young age, he had to work and began by helping his godmother raise cows. School remained out of reach for decades.
His story changed in October 2025, when he began attending literacy classes at the Átila Lira state school in Angical do Piauí. Classes take place from Monday to Thursday, between 18:30 and 20:30.
His teacher, Marta Cristina Sousa Dantas, has been teaching for 20 years and had never had a student that age. According to her, Severino quickly became one of the most beloved students: he never misses class, participates actively, chats with his classmates and is very playful.
“Mr. Severino is a student who never misses class, and is very active and engaged. He is super intelligent”, the teacher said.
Literacy also awakened new ambitions in him. After receiving his diploma, Severino is already thinking about continuing his studies through Youth and Adult Education (EJA).
“I am developing quite a lot and I want to continue. I will make the greatest effort possible”, he assured.
Severino will turn 95 next June 10. For him, however, the true gift arrived earlier: after waiting nine decades for an opportunity, he was finally able to study.
“The best thing in the world is education; there is no better possession”, he said. And he added: “Today I am a very happy person”.