Stories, News & Events
Operation Smile Volunteers speak
Being part of a team, united in a common goal of wanting to help others, is what all of our Operation Smile volunteers rate most highly about the experience.
Iddrisah finds love, despite his cleft lip
Having lived his entire life with an untreated cleft lip, Iddrisah never expected to find love. Instead, he became used to abuse and isolation from his own family and community.
Healing through therapeutic play
As a psychosocial care provider, Cathy has attended six Operation Smile surgical programmes. She uses therapeutic play and hands-on educational activities to help patients feel calm and prepared to enter the operating room.
The other kids stared at me and laughed
In just one hour, our skilled surgeons repaired Marceline’s cleft lip and reshaped her nose, giving her hope for a better life. Please join our circle of supporters and help change more children’s lives.
After 48 years, a new future
Growing up in a small rural community in Mozambique, Domingos always felt lost and alone. No one else in his community was born with a cleft lip. As he spoke about being bullied and judged, his eyes reflected the pain he’s endured for 48 years.
Braving the world together
At Operation Smile we understand the special bravery of children like Noemia. Although it’s often hidden by shyness, this courage endures teasing and mockery, with quiet dignity.
A life-changing journey for two sisters
Thanks to generous supporters like you, two little sisters were able to have life changing surgery to repair cleft conditions.
Before and after
Before and after in Madagascar When Mampionona was born, his mother did not know what to say. She had just seen her sister die from illness. And she was very emotional. “We named him Mampionona," Tantely, the baby’s aunt explained. "In Malagasy, it means ‘to...
2500th patient in Madagascar
In 2017, nine month old Tsifoina became the 2 500th patient to be operated on by Operation Smile in Madagascar. When they saw their son afterwards, the young parents shed tears of joy.
A passion for Malagasy smiles
After his daughter received life changing surgery, Lala visits families in his district by bicycle, spreading news of Operation Smile.