Student overcomes daunting obstacles, crowned Kurdistan Region’s top grade-getter

SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region - Her father’s passing while she was only five years old coupled with her family’s poor financial situation formed daunting obstacles in Hanar Taha’s path towards realizing her dreams, but they never managed to break her spirit as she now graduates preparatory school as the Kurdistan Region’s top grade-getter in her track.

Studying in a poorly-built room with a metal roof that could not combat the heat of the summer or endure the cold of the winter, Hanar achieved a score of 682 out of 700 in the 12th grade baccalaureate exams, making her the Kurdistan Region’s top student in the Literary/Humanities track.

She now looks forward to achieving her dreams of becoming a lawyer and serving her hometown.

“God willing, it is my childhood dream to major in law and become a lawyer to serve my country and especially the town of Chamchamal,” she told Rudaw.

Hanar’s success story would not be possible without the continuous support and encouragement of her family, especially her mother who raised her and her nine other siblings alone following their father’s death.

Touched by her story, the Kurdistan Region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday awarded Hanar and her family with a new house to support the high-achieving student as she embarks upon a new experience in college.