At just 20 years old, Muada Babiker Ali Hamed has endured hardships that would challenge even the strongest of spirits. Born visually impaired, she fought against societal barriers to become one of Sudan’s top high school students. However, in 2023, war forced her to flee her homeland, leaving behind everything she had worked for.
Now, Muada has found hope and opportunity in the UAE, where she is excelling as a psychology student at Ajman University.
“Fleeing Sudan was a bitter, painful, and harsh experience,” Muada told Gulf News.
“Leaving behind everything I knew was one of the hardest things I have ever faced. But in the end, it changed my life completely.”
A Fighter from the Start
Muada’s journey has been defined by resilience and determination. Her family had earlier lived in Saudi Arabia, where she completed her early education before moving back to Sudan for high school.
However, gaining admission was not easy.
“I was rejected by more than 12 schools because of my visual impairment,” she recalled.
After finally securing a place, her struggles continued. She faced a lack of accessible textbooks, and finding someone to assist her with writing during exams was difficult. Mathematics, in particular, posed a unique challenge due to its complex notations.
Despite these obstacles, Muada persevered. With the unwavering support of her family, she graduated as one of Sudan’s top students, ranking 25th in the country with an impressive 96.3% score.
Then, the war erupted.
A New Beginning in the UAE
As conflict engulfed Sudan, Muada and her family were forced to flee.
“When the war happened, our lives turned upside down. Seeing destruction, loss of lives, and being separated from my university dream—it felt unbearable. Everything was falling apart. So, in June 2023, we moved to the UAE.”
At Ajman University, she quickly found a welcoming and inclusive environment.
“The university welcomed me with open arms. I made new friends and found the support I needed to continue my education.”
Ajman University’s Centre for Inclusive Learning played a crucial role in her transition, providing assistive technologies to enhance her learning experience.
With tools like BrailleSense6, she can read and process PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, and other documents. A Sense Player allows her to record lectures, while QR codes and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) help her scan documents independently.
These resources have transformed her educational journey.
“These tools have made my learning experience so much easier. I never imagined I would have access to so many opportunities.”
In recognition of her academic excellence, Muada was among 750 students honored at Ajman University’s recent Honours Assembly.
“Thank you to Ajman University and the UAE for providing us with the necessary support to achieve our dreams.”
Dreaming Big, Inspiring Others
Muada’s ambitions go far beyond academics. She aspires to be an influential figure in psychology and leave a mark on society.
However, she also has a passion for fragrances and dreams of launching her own perfume brand one day.
“Perfume is my passion, and I want to turn that passion into something meaningful.”
A talented musician, she also enjoys playing the keyboard.
Despite the adversities she has faced, Muada remains optimistic and determined.
“Life has taught me that falling is just an accident, but staying down is a choice. God never closes one door without opening a thousand others.”
She hopes her story will inspire others—especially People of Determination—to believe in themselves.
“People with special needs can do anything if they are given the right opportunities. Just ask them what they need and support them. That’s all it takes, and I am so grateful that the UAE treats us with so much respect and provides strong support.”
Championing Inclusive Education
Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic community.
“The Centre for Inclusive Learning empowers students of determination by providing tools such as screen readers, Braille printers, and specialized keyboards. These resources ensure equitable access to education for all.”
Ajman University’s efforts align with the UAE leadership’s vision to build an inclusive and empowering society, as outlined in the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.
“By championing accessibility and inclusion, we reaffirm our dedication to academic excellence and the belief that every student, regardless of their abilities, deserves the opportunity to flourish in a supportive learning environment.”
Muada’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, education, and inclusive opportunities. From overcoming rejection in Sudan to excelling in the UAE, she proves that determination and support can break any barrier.
