MUSCAT: There is no end to the numerous success stories of Omani youth who achieved big overcoming hurdles in their life.

However, the triumph of petite Hebrew Taqwa, 17 years of age, is altogether different as she qualified for graduation (bachelor’s stage) by completing her general diploma with flying colours despite being wheelchair-bound with Osteogenesis Imperfecta or brittle bone disease, a genetic disorder that prevents the body from building strong bones.
Against all odds, Hebrew qualified by scoring well in her general diploma and will now head for graduation to a University with a scholarship in the Sultanate soon.

“We thank God for clearing the path easier. In the beginning, the Early-intervention education centre provided me with one class per month, where I practised holding a pen and writing letters. At home, I followed my young cousin who was learning letters and writing words on electronic devices. I could not attend kindergarten because I could not sit. In the initial days, I depended on homeschooling,” Hebrew recalled her journey.

Her mother Umm Taqwa added: “To admit her in the first grade, we contacted Al Hamra School for Basic Education (1-4). Praise is to Allah, they provided her with the space with a special chair and the table.”

In the first and second grades, her teachers supported her, particularly the Arabic teacher there who took Hebrew under her wing.

Slowly, Hebrew participated in the class activities but she still faced trouble in writing.

“Instead of crying or calling it off but with grit and determination, Hebrew sat for hours just to write her name on the school notebook. She could write on devices as it was easy for her, but it’s different with pen and paper,” her mother said.

It was then her father decided to transfer her to Muscat but was forced to change international private schools twice for obvious reasons. Finally, she found more comfort and settled to study at Shamsa Al Khalili School in Al Khuwair from the fifth to Xth grade.

As cliché goes there was no turning back as Hebrew later attended the Doha School of Literature. “All schools which she attended gave immense support from the teachers and students. Some of her friends visit us home just to exchange wishes,” her mother reminiscedhe.

Taqwa recalled the foremost challenge she faced was writing as her muscles were weak. From the fifth grade till the Xth grade, she got the help of a scribe (a volunteer who will write by hand or computer verbatim what the student with the disability dictates). The school administration also supported her by providing her class in the basement of the school and permitting her to use washrooms which were exclusive for the teachers.

“In the final exams of the general diploma stage of the 12th grade with the massive help of teachers at the Doha School of Literature, the pressure was less, although I struggled with writing. The school also provided her with a scribe during the exams and I got admitted to one private college in Muscat with a scholarship,” concluded a cheerful Taqwa while thanking all teachers who supported her and the new university.

This story of Taqwa will continue. To reach this level with these difficulties, one requires a lot of strength, patience and determination. Hats off to Hebrew!