Rayan: A-Level National Top 10 at Age 14

Years ago, Aishath Yumna and her husband Mohamed Riyaz moved to Malé from their home island, facing various challenges to secure a brighter future for their eldest son.

Today, the family believes that decision has yielded remarkable results. Their eldest son, Rayan Riyaz Abdul Waheed, has participated in the A-Level examinations at a very young age and secured a place in the National Top 10.

Having completed his A-Levels at the age of 14, he previously achieved an A* in O-Level Chemistry.

While a Grade 6 student at Huravee School, he independently took the O-Level exams and brought great joy to the small family from HA. Ihavandhoo by earning an A* in Biology and A grades in Mathematics, Physics, and English. 

Rayan’s mother, Aishath Yumna, told <i>Mihaaru</i> that while her son prepared for the Chemistry exam through self-study, he utilized tuition for his other subjects. She noted that it was Rayan’s own desire to progress by taking the O-Level exams at such a young age.

Yumna, who is a Chemistry teacher at CHSE, explained that this was why he began his A-Level studies at Villa International High School at the age of twelve. When the final results for Grade 12 were released last week, Rayan once again shone brightly. He achieved 9th place in the National Top 10 by earning an A* in Chemistry, an A in Islam, B grades in Biology and Mathematics, and a C in Dhivehi.

Yumna and Riyaz are overjoyed by the success achieved by their son, who has autism. Initially, there was some nervousness when Rayan began Grade 11 alongside students four years older than him.

However, from the moment he first stepped through the gates of Villa, the school never let go of his hand. His capabilities were recognized, and he was given immense love by the principal, teachers, and fellow students.

"Everyone was very good," Yumna said.

She mentioned that Rayan, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and a half, experiences mood changes influenced by the weather.

The mother of three noted that despite difficulties in maintaining focus on studies for long periods, he worked very hard both at school and at home to achieve good results.

"If it rains or if there is lightning and thunder, it is very difficult for Rayan. He finds it hard to be in loud places.

However, things are much better now than before," Yumna said. Communication is also a challenge for Rayan; his closest friends have always been books, and his specific love for the subject of Chemistry is particularly notable. Having now completed both stages of formal education, Rayan is preparing to pursue a degree.

Yumna stated that Rayan has always wanted to progress in a field related to Chemistry.

However, since the specific path he desires is not available in the Maldives, he is currently considering studying Biotechnology or Forensic Analysis.

The family believes that if an opportunity to study abroad via a scholarship arises, Rayan's dream will become a reality.