Obama's step-grandmother gets education award

United Nations, Nov 19: President Barack Obama's step-grandmother is being honored for her efforts to ensure many in her Kenyan village got what she never had, the chance to go to school.

Sarah Obama received the inaugural Women's Entrepreneurship Day Education Pioneer Award today at the United Nations. Among those whom the 94-year-old has helped are young pregnant girls, AIDS orphans and her stepson, Obama's father.

Sarah Obama was married to the president's late grandfather. She recalled pedaling the Obama's father nine kilometers to school on the back of her bicycle every day.

The award was presented by 11-year-old Oscar nominee Quvenzhane Wallis as part of Women's Entrepreneurship Day, an event celebrated in many countries. Sarah Obama heads to Washington tomorrow and is likely to see the president.

AP