A SPECIAL needs student who found solace in writing has published her first book.
Hawra Ali Yousif, who suffers from mobility difficulties, said she showed a flair for writing since she was seven years old.
The 18-year-old Bahraini dedicated her book. Khawater (Thoughts), to her teacher Suad Alfahad – head of the media centre at Ghazi Al Gosaibi Secondary School for Girls in Hamad Town – for inspiring her and nourishing her writing skills.
“Without her encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to take this huge step in my writing career,” said the student.
“My school has supported me from day one, which the administration and teachers ensuring I continue sharing my stories.”
Ms Yousif said writing provided her solace and gave her the determination to continue.
“Writers are immortal because of their work as they will always be remembered throughout ages such as Taha Hussein, who was one of the most influential Egyptian writers, and Nobel Prize laureate Naguib Mahfouz.”
She stressed that writing helped her self-heal and provided opportunities to showcase her creativity.
“It is clear that professional writing is not just a passion but a career I am planning to pursue besides becoming a teacher and mentor to others.”
Ms Yousif graduated with distinction from secondary school, and was a member of the school’s gifted committee.
She is also an active member of the Gifted Students Centre at the Education Ministry.
Her book resembles a farewell tribute and appreciation to school faculty members by underscoring the important role they played in shaping her life.
Ms Yousif has participated in several competitions over the years that helped empower her skills and personality, and most notable among these was taking part in the Arab Reading Challenge where she won first place at school level and qualified to take part in the province level in 2019-2020.
She also participated in the competition titled ‘The Best Story in the Time of Covid-19’ that was organised by the ministry’s Gifted Students Centre.
Ms Yousif has also taken part in the International Day of Human Space Flight competition, winning third place, in addition to her numerous participations in the scientific article competitions.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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