13-year-old twin girls earn their high school diploma

The two girls dream of studying civil engineering in the footsteps of their father. AFP

Twin girls became famous in Senegal, after they obtained their high school diploma, when they were only 13 years old.

This is the first achievement of its kind in Senegal, and was previously awarded to a student who obtained a secondary school certificate at the age of 14.

Previously, it was not allowed to sit for these exams before 17, according to the National Office of Secondary Certificate.

Aminata and Rama Diwau earned their high school diplomas at a school known as a center of excellence in Yombul, a popular suburb of Dakar.

They succeeded from the first session in the scientific section exams.

"We were nervous and we should have succeeded for the sake of our family, especially for the sake of our father, who did his best," Aminata said shyly.

Demba Diaw, a retired government employee, realized that his two daughters were "too smart", so he made them skip classes and gave them lessons at home.

The two new graduates stated that they were waiting for the results of the entrance exam at a famous college of applied sciences in Thies (west) to study civil engineering like their father.

Senegalese President Macky Sall praised the results of the twin girls during a ceremony held last Tuesday in Dakar to honor the outstanding students.

He promised that the state would provide them with "all necessary support" to enable them to continue their studies.

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