DOHA: A Qatari is setting an example for fellow young Qataris to pursue their dreams despite the odds.
Saeed Saleh Al Marri, 25 (pictured), is heading to the United States to study at university. He hopes to be the first deaf Qatari to finish higher education abroad.
Al Marri will be taking up Computer Science and Programming at Gallaudet University in Washington DC, the first school in the world which offers advanced education for the deaf.
Acquiring a degree in his own country is his dream, unfortunately not one university in Qatar accepts deaf students including Qatar University (QU) where he initially intended to enroll, he told Al Raya.
He lauded Qatar being one of the leading countries in providing basic education for people with special needs using latest technology and methods but called on providing opportunities for higher education for the deaf so they don’t have to go abroad to study.
An active member of Qatari Social and Cultural Centre for the Deaf, he was an outstanding student who graduated from high school with honours in 2007. He tried to join QU but was not accepted so he decided to work at the Ministry of Interior (MoI).
Through the encouragement of his superiors, he opted to continue higher studies but could not find a university in Qatar and the GCC which offers courses for the deaf so he decided to search for university via the Internet and finally decided to enroll in the prestigious Gallaudet University.
“It is a mixed feeling of pride, determination and responsibility being the first deaf Qatari to pursue higher studies abroad. I also feel happy for the support extended to me by the MoI and the Centre,” he said.
“I hope there will be more government and private institutions which support and give opportunities for the deaf to be employed and complete their higher education abroad just like the rest of the workers,” he added.
He urged persons with disabilities like him to do their best.
“We are not less than anyone. We must persevere, strive for our rights and continue education,” he said, adding he hopes his experience would be a good example and opens doors to people with disabilities like him to succeed.
He urged other ministries to take the same initiative by the MOI to encourage and support people with disabilities to continue their education and aspirations. He also expressed hope that higher education for the deaf open in Qatar in the future.
The Peninsula
