At the tender age of seven, Mennat Allah Moawia began mistakenly turning off the lights in her room, thinking she was turning them on. This incident was one of the first signs that something was amiss, leading her parents to realize that there was a significant issue. Despite her vision gradually fading over the years, Mennat never allowed this to dampen her ambitions. The Year 12 student has remarkably achieved 3A+ and 1A grades in the recent IGCSE exams, defying all expectations.
Mennat, born with Glaucoma, has been facing challenges since her early years. She started losing her sight around the age of six or seven and has not regained it since. Her parents were aware from the beginning that she would eventually lose her vision and had been preparing her by teaching her Braille. By the time she lost her sight completely, Mennat was already proficient in Braille and has since learned to write in the English alphabet as well.
During her exams, Mennat was assisted by a writer who read the questions aloud to her. She would then dictate the answers, which the writer would jot down. The school ensured that the writer met the stringent requirements set by Cambridge. Mennat, a student at Oxford School under LEAMS education, expressed that while part of her had expected good results, her teachers were also confident in her performance. She dedicated four to five hours daily to studying after school, and her success is a testament to her hard work, supported by her school, teachers, and family.
Despite her achievements, Mennat has encountered numerous challenges. She struggled with learning English initially, as she attended school in Oman where the primary language of instruction was Arabic. English is crucial for using most technology, and Mennat had to adapt without specialized devices, relying only on standard phones and laptops that read text aloud. Additionally, she faced difficulties navigating her school grounds and finding her classroom at the beginning of each year. However, with the help of other students and her recent use of a cane, she has made significant improvements.
Mennat, who moved to the UAE from Oman two years ago, plans to study Law. She finds solace in running, which helps her forget her worries. She enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly at the beach and in parks, where walking and running allow her to leave her troubles behind. Mennat encourages anyone facing similar challenges to acknowledge their feelings of sadness but to also strive for independence and resilience.
