Supported by Qatar Charity (QC) from childhood, Shuaib Wedraogo overcame orphanhood and a severe physical disability to achieve a major milestone: earning a bachelor’s degree in computer programming at Nazi BONI University in Burkina Faso. His journey is a story of determination, education, and the difference sustained support can make.
For Shuaib, graduation meant far more than completing a university degree. Seated in his wheelchair before an academic committee, alongside fellow student Abdul Wahab Koulga, Shuaib defended the graduation project they had completed together. The moment marked the culmination of years of perseverance through considerable personal and physical challenges.
Shuaib lost his father at an early age and grew up facing the emotional and social challenges of orphanhood. He later developed a severe physical disability affecting his arms, legs and spine, making even the simplest everyday tasks more difficult.
Yet none of these challenges diminished his determination. Instead, they strengthened his resolve to continue his education and pursue his ambitions.
Support from Childhood to University
Behind Shuaib’s achievement is a story of sustained generosity. After losing his father, Shuaib was sponsored from childhood through Qatar Charity’s Rofaqa initiative. As he progressed through his education, that support later continued through student sponsorship, helping him complete his university studies.
This sustained support provided the stability he needed to remain focused on his education despite the difficulties associated with his disability. It also gave him the opportunity to develop his academic abilities and continue working towards his goals.
His journey illustrates how long-term orphan care and educational support can open new possibilities for children facing difficult circumstances. When support evolves alongside a young person’s needs and ambitions, education can become a pathway towards greater independence, opportunity and a more secure future.
When support evolves alongside a young person’s needs and ambitions, education can become a pathway towards greater independence.
In Burkina Faso, as in many countries where Qatar Charity implements humanitarian and development programs, orphan and student sponsorships help vulnerable children and young people continue their education and build stronger prospects for the future.
A Hard-Earned Academic Milestone
At Nazi BONI University, Shuaib and Abdul Wahab presented their graduation project in Computer Programming and answered questions from the academic committee.
Their graduation project received a “Very Good” grade. For Shuaib, the result represented much more than an academic grade. It reflected years of study and perseverance, and what can become possible when determination is matched by sustained access to education and support.
A Moment of Gratitude
Following the defense, Shuaib expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who had supported him throughout his educational journey, particularly his sponsor and Qatar Charity. He described reaching this milestone as the result of years of patience, hard work and faith in Allah.
Reflecting on his journey, he said:
“I went through circumstances that many people thought would be enough to put an end to my dreams. I experienced orphanhood and suffered from paralysis in my arms, legs and spine, but I always believed that Allah never lets the efforts of those who work hard go to waste.”
“Today, I am not celebrating my graduation alone. I am celebrating everyone who believed in me and supported me on this journey, foremost among them my generous sponsor and Qatar Charity, who have accompanied me since childhood.”
I always believed that Allah never lets the efforts of those who work hard go to waste.
“My message to every orphan and every person facing a disability or difficult circumstances is this: Do not let challenges define the limits of your future. Education and determination can achieve what others see as impossible.”
Shuaib’s journey shows the difference sustained investment in education, orphan care and support for persons with disabilities can make.
At a Glance
Name: Shuaib Wedraogo
Country: Burkina Faso
University: Nazi BONI University
Field of Study: Computer Programming
Type of Support: Orphan sponsorship followed by student sponsorship
Support Provided By: Sponsors through Qatar Charity
Key Achievement: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Programming
Graduation Project Grade: Very Good
About Rofaqa
Rofaqa is Qatar Charity’s dedicated sponsorship and social care initiative, providing comprehensive support to orphans and other sponsored beneficiaries across education, healthcare, rehabilitation and development. Its programs support more than 225,000 sponsored beneficiaries, including orphans, vulnerable families, persons with disabilities, students and teachers across dozens of countries worldwide.
Read also: Rofaqa: From Orphan Sponsorship to Empowerment and Excellence and Sponsored Student Ranks Second in Somalia’s National Exams.
