Watch: How war-displaced Sudanese student Muada, born visually impaired, thrives in UAE

Ajman: At just 20 years, Muada Babiker Ali Hamed has already lived through experiences that would break many. Born visually impaired, she overcame countless barriers to become one of Sudan’s top high school students.

But when war erupted in Sudan in 2023, her life took an unexpected turn. Forced to flee her homeland, she and her family found refuge in the UAE, where she has since discovered new hope, new dreams, and a promising future.

Today, Muada is a psychology student at Ajman University, where she has not only found a supportive academic environment but also the tools to thrive. “Fleeing Sudan was a bitter, painful and harsh experience,” she recalled Gulf News in an interview.

“Leaving behind everything I knew was one of the hardest things I have ever faced. But in the end, it changed my life completely,” she said.

Fighter from the start

Muada’s family was earlier in Saudi Arabia, where she completed her early education before returning to Sudan for high school. However, gaining admission into school was no easy feat. “I was rejected by more than 12 schools because of my visual impairment,” she recalled.

Muada refused to let that stop her and finally got enrolled in a school. However, the challenges never stopped.

“I struggled to find someone to write for me in exams, and textbooks in accessible formats were rare,” she explained. Mathematics classes were especially tough for her.

With resilience and determination and the constant support of her family, her biggest pillar of strength, Muada kept moving forward, ultimately graduating as one of Sudan’s brightest students—ranking 25th in the country with an outstanding 96.3 per cent score.

Then, the war broke out.

New beginning in UAE

“My family has always tried to make everything easier for me. I had a wonderful childhood, and they provided me with everything I needed. But, when the war happened, our lives turned upside down,” she recounted.

“When everything around you is being destroyed—the loss of lives, and the separation from the university, which had been my childhood dream—it felt unbearable. Everything was falling apart. So, in June 2023, we had to move to the UAE.”

She soon enrolled at Ajman University and quickly found a sense of belonging. “The university welcomed me with open arms. I made new friends and found the support I needed to continue my education.”

She said the university’s commitment to students of determination played a crucial role in her transition. The Centre for Inclusive Learning provided her with essential technological tools, allowing her to navigate her studies with greater independence.

“With BrailleSense6, I can process and read files in different formats—PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, and more. With the technical reader, I can present in class, and the Sense Player allows me to record my lectures. Even scanning documents and photos is now possible using QR codes and OCR (Optical Character Recognition). These tools have made my learning experience so much easier.”

At a recent Honours Assembly ceremony of the university, Muada was among 750 students recognised for academic excellence. Expressing her gratitude, she said: “Thank you to Ajman University and the UAE for providing us with the necessary support to achieve our dreams. I never imagined I would have access to so many opportunities.”

Dreaming big, inspiring others

Muada’s ambitions extend far beyond academics.“I want to be an influential figure in psychology and leave a mark on society,” she said. But she is not stopping there. With a deep love for fragrances, she dreams of launching her own perfume brand one day. “Perfume is my passion, and I want to turn that passion into something meaningful.” She also loves music and plays the keyboard.

Despite the challenges she has faced, Muada remains fiercely optimistic. “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 journey will inspire others—especially people with disabilities—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 them as People of Determination with a lot of support.”

Fostering inclusive education

Dr Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, said the Centre for Inclusive Learning at Ajman University represents a transformative milestone in fostering an inclusive and accessible academic community. “This initiative empowers students of determination by providing the tools and support they need to excel academically, socially, and professionally. Equipped with cutting-edge resources such as screen readers, Braille printers, and specialised keyboards, the Centre ensures equitable access to education for all. Additionally, proctored exams and tailored accommodations, like extended time and specialised equipment, create a fair and supportive testing environment.”

He said the initiative aligns with the vision and commitment of the UAE leadership and the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision to foster an inclusive and empowering society. “By championing accessibility and inclusion, Ajman University contributes to the nation’s goal of creating opportunities for all individuals to thrive and succeed. Through this centre, we reaffirm our dedication to academic excellence and the belief that every student, regardless of their abilities or background, deserves the opportunity to flourish in a nurturing and supportive learning environment,” Dr Seghir added.