School is where magic happens! Friendships, education, new passions and fun adventures are only some of the things that make school memorable. What makes school truly special is the children who get up each morning, all on their own unique paths, ready to thrive in the classroom and on the playground.
For kids born with cleft conditions, the school experience isn’t always simple. Having facial differences and struggling to communicate often leads to challenges like being bullied and isolated. Many children with cleft don’t go to school at all.
Kids born with cleft conditions are just as intelligent as any other child, so what stops them from excelling in their studies?
Candace Myers, a Speech Language Pathologist and Operation Smile volunteer, explains that kids affected by cleft don’t get to express themselves or take opportunities to ask questions in school. When they can’t communicate with their teachers and peers, being in class can feel difficult. And confidence is lost along the way.
“A lot of these children never raise their hand to answer questions in class. They don’t get to reveal what they do know to the teacher or to the other students because their speech is not clear.”
Candace myers, volunteer
That’s what makes surgery and comprehensive care so important. Because every child is on a journey and has a story. And they deserve the voice and confidence to tell it — like Peter, Aron and Carol, whose path to school became paved with smiles and success after receiving the cleft care they needed.
Peter Makes His Parents and Teachers Proud
Life started looking a little brighter for Peter after his cleft surgery. He is an enthusiastic young boy from Kenya who makes his parents proud every single day. Peter’s teachers believe he is a remarkable child, doing exceptionally well in school. And his sharp personality also shines when he’s doing homework with his father, Joseph. Peter no longer faces the same struggles and stigmatization as before. Now, he thrives with a joyful smile on his face.
Aron Kicks Off the School Year with Confidence
Aron from Venezuela crossed borders with his mother, Nelly, to receive a new smile with Operation Smile Colombia. Before his surgery, Aron was bullied and rejected by other kids for looking different, causing him to feel uncertain. Today, he goes to school with newfound confidence, studying among his peers, unafraid of rude remarks. He keeps a close group of friends and loves playing soccer, which he hopes to pursue professionally one day.
Carol Pursues Post-Secondary Education
Carol, too, was a child with cleft just like Peter and Aron. She received surgery as a young adult with Operation Smile Malawi after facing a childhood of struggle. The isolation she felt during her earlier school years left a dark shadow on her confidence, and she quickly became very quiet and reserved. But after surgery, the same dreams she once had as a child took life again. Today, Carol has found her confidence and is on a path to pursue her doctorate at a post-secondary school to give hope to children with cleft. She also volunteers with Operation Smile, helping kids feel less alone.
You Give Children Hope
Every child deserves the chance to go to school and pursue their dreams. They deserve to find friendships that lift them up and an education that helps them reach their potential. And with the right support and care from partners like you, kids with cleft conditions can receive just that.
Thank you being the beacon of hope that children all around the world need — so that they too can go back to school, knowing a friendly adventure of learning and fun awaits.
