From Resilience to Excellence: The Life Lesson of Ahnas Abdool Careem, Young Hafiz-ul-Quran and Future Accountant

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities shines a spotlight on extraordinary journeys marked by quiet strength and determination. Mohammad Ahnas Abdool Careem, paralyzed from a young age, learned early on to turn every challenge into an opportunity and every step of his life into a victory.

His educational journey has been characterized by successful integration and attentive support. Both his teachers and peers have contributed to building a solid foundation of confidence, allowing Ahnas to focus on what truly mattered: learning, growing, and aiming high. This determination culminated in his achievements during the Higher School Certificate (HSC) exams in 2023, where he ranked 9th nationally, just behind the eight top achievers, accomplishing a remarkable feat. His performance, rewarded with an additional scholarship, was just the beginning of a journey that the young man intends to pursue with method and ambition.

Today, Ahnas balances studies and work. Alongside his full-time job at Axis in Ébène, he is pursuing his studies in accounting (ACCA). "Gaining experience while studying is essential," he shares, aware of the importance of developing his skills while enhancing his know-how. His employer, attentive and inclusive, quickly adapted the premises to ensure he could work under the best conditions, demonstrating what true inclusion can achieve.

Autonomy is a constant quest in his life. Obtaining his driver’s license marked a significant turning point, granting him precious freedom and reinforcing his daily independence. "It has greatly facilitated my travels, especially for getting to work," he explains. Although some obstacles remain, particularly in public transport and older buildings, Ahnas remains confident in the potential for progress and dreams of an increasingly accessible environment for all.

At the core of his balance, his family remains an unwavering pillar. Always by his side, they support his endeavors, encourage him in his studies and work, and provide the security of a loving home. His spirituality, nurtured by his practice as a Hafiz-ul-Quran (a person who has fully memorized the Quran), brings him strength and serenity, allowing him to face challenges with patience and confidence. "Religion has helped me stay strong and overcome difficulties," he shares.

To anyone who might doubt or hesitate in the face of adversity, Ahnas sends a message of great clarity and profound humanity: "Never lose hope. Believe in your abilities. And above all, remember that effort is never in vain – it always opens a path, sometimes different from the one you imagined, but often more beautiful."

His story is more than a series of individual successes; it is living proof that an inclusive society, capable of reaching out and supporting, can turn obstacles into opportunities. Through his humor, rigor, gratitude, and ambition, Ahnas Abdool Careem embodies the idea that difference is not a hindrance but a wealth. His ongoing journey inspires and reminds us that such stories should no longer be the exception but the norm.