In February 2024, Operation Smile’s Mpumalanga Patient Coordinator, Dakalo Maguga, supported the Department of Health in presenting a community outreach training programme.
Workshops took place over 4 days at Emalahleni and Victor Khanye local municipality in Mpumalanga. The aim was to create awareness about cleft conditions, Operation Smile, and the services we offer.
Dakalo presented an overview of the organisation, patient care, patient advocacy and smile ambassadors. Cleft identification, nutrition for cleft patients, and referral pathways were presented with open discussion. At the end of the workshop, delegates were surveyed to test their level of understanding about cleft conditions.
Following the presentation, the Community Healthcare Workers Provincial Manager encouraged trainees to refer cleft patients to Operation Smile for assistance.