Determination knows no bounds: Specially-abled Syrian Khaldoun Sanjab graduates with distinction from University of Sharjah
- 07 Jul 2021
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
Khaldoun Sanjab, a specially-abled Syrian, conqueror of the impossible, received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Sharjah.
Khaldoun is suffering from a disability known as 'quadruple paralysis' that results in the partial or total loss of use of all four limbs and torso, except for the heart beating.
Despite his exceptional condition, Khaldoun did not surrender and received his Bachelor's degree certificate with distinction.
It became an inspiring story for people of high determination, strong management, and determination that knows no bounds.
The beginning of the journey
Khaldoun faced a severe illness after he met with an accident at the age of seventeen. It led him to a complete physical disability and resulted in difficulty breathing, and he was bedridden with artificial respirators.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, in October 2016, arranged for him to be brought to the country by a private plane for his treatment.
As soon as he landed in the Emirates, which receives humanitarian cases and turns them into heartwarming success stories, Khaldoun went through surgeries in Abu Dhabi hospitals.
Khaldoun's condition improved over time.
Before the horrific accident, he was practising computer programming and web design.
He wanted to achieve his dream and refine his talent, by teaching and excelling in computer sciences, but the accident prevented him.
Realising the Dream
Khaldoun dreamed of joining the University of Sharjah, and His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, fulfilled his dream.
He issued directions to facilitate all tasks for him and his small family to complete his academic career.
The University of Sharjah provided him with care and under the direct supervision of Dr. Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi, President of the University, who granted him and his family housing to live on the university campus.
He became a student in the Faculty of Computer Science struggling during his student years, led by his wife to the classroom on a wheelchair, and sometimes his daughter Judy.
His wife, Yusra Hilal, an Arabic language teacher, said: "The conditions that Khaldoun went through, since his disability and until marriage and exodus from Syria, were enough to demoralise him but he was determined.
"I was and am still helping him to shower and change his clothes. Thanks to the wise leadership of the UAE, and its assistance to us, Khaldoun was able to speak and take his exam."
She further explained that the challenges he faced four years were during his degree. He needed twice as much time as the rest of the students in the exam. All these efforts did not discourage us, as we found support from university professors and colleagues."
She acknowledged the Rulers and the university's administration and their great effort to overcome their difficulties.
Khaldoun and his wife, Yusra have beautiful three children; Judy, 17, and Rehana, 5, and the youngest, Abdul Karim, is one and a half years.
