Breaking boundaries: Talented deaf student finds his ‘voice’ through art

Hussain Naaish, a deaf and non-verbal student, may not be able to ‘speak’ in the conventional sense of the word.

Instead, he lets his art do the talking.

On Saturday, the Jamaluddin School showed photos of videos of beautiful Arabic calligraphy on the school’s walls.

This was done by Naaish.

According to his school, Naaish has constantly broken boundaries with his artistic talent; proving beyond a doubt that being a person with disabilities does not have to limit the potential or ability to conquer one’s dreams.

In a video message, Naaish communicated through sign language that displaying his artwork on the school’s walls had been a dream.

“When I see the beautiful paintings on the school walls, I feel satisfied and happy,” he said.

Naaish thanked the Jamaluddin School for the opportunity.

Born in Sh. Kanditheemu, Naaish had shown a talent for art from a young age. But he faced challenges in developing his talent due to limited educational opportunities for persons with disabilities. He moved to Male’ with his family after completing the fourth grade and joined Jamaluddin School.

In a previous interview, Naaish told Sun that both his education and art underwent huge advancements after he joined Jamaluddin School.

“After I moved to Jamaluddin School, I was able to go better academically. My art also progressed. I received more opportunities,” he said.

The school has expressed delight in playing a part in supporting and facilitating such a talent.

“We are extremely proud of his growth, and all his achievements and we are confident that he will continue to exceed all expectations in the future,” wrote the school in a social media post on Saturday.

Naaish developed his interest in Arabic calligraphy while reading Quran through sign language during the Covid-19 pandemic. He first began by writing Almighty Allah, and then the Bismillah. Improving by leaps and bounds, he soon began writing entire surahs.

Naaish has showcased his artwork in art exhibitions and competitions.

He has no plans of stopping his artwork, and is forever grateful to Almighty Allah for his talent.