Seven visually impaired students pursue advanced degrees in Kurdistan Region
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Seven visually impaired students in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG) have achieved remarkable success by reaching the stages of master's and doctoral studies.
Abdulwahhab Ahmad, a visually impaired master's student, shared his inspiring journey with Kurdistan24’s correspondent, Shayma Bayiz, urging people with disabilities to embrace hope and perseverance.
Despite losing his eyesight, Abdulwahhab has continued his higher education, serving as a beacon of hope for those who feel limited by physical disabilities.
“Anyone who says that my disability is an obstacle to my work and education is wrong, because the important thing is to use the energy in your heart,” Abdulwahhab told Kurdistan24.
He emphasized the sacrifices made in social, family, and other aspects of life to achieve academic success.
“Like everyone else, we have sacrificed social, family, and other important things in life, but we have finally reached the day to eat the fruits of our labor,” he added.
At the Institute of Light for the Visually Impaired, 100 visually impaired students annually study Braille, with many advancing to higher stages of education despite their disabilities.
Dr. Hassan Yousef, the institute's director, highlighted the KRG's commitment to supporting visually impaired individuals, particularly under the ninth cabinet's agenda.
“In the agenda of other cabinets, along with the cases of martyrs and Anfal victims, the case of the visually impaired was also paid attention to, but the agenda of the ninth cabinet has paid specific attention to persons with visual impairments,” Dr. Yousef stated.
He praised the government's efforts to enable visually impaired students to pursue education in colleges, universities, and higher education institutions, underscoring the importance of education and self-education for the disabled.
This year, the KRG has exempted seven visually impaired students from tuition fees, allowing them to study for master's degrees free of charge.
This initiative reflects the government's dedication to providing educational opportunities for all, regardless of physical limitations.