Operation Smile

By: P. Camargo

A clet lip or palate is a prevalent congenital facial abnormality characterised by a physical aperture in the lip or the palatal roof. Clet palate is a congenital disease characterised by incomplete closure of face features during foetal development. Clet problems, which are usually apparent from birth, not only impair the child's physical appearance but also have significant efects on fundamental life activities. Untreated clets in children can lead to significant challenges in feeding, persistent ear infections, speech deficits, and dental issues. Also, the social and psychological consequences of the stigma attached to noticeable diferences can result in social exclusion, harassment, and reduced self-confidence, hence compromising the daily social interactions of the child.
Even in the midst of such challenges, Operation Smile ofers hope for those who are born with clet issues. Founded in 1982 by Dr. William P. Magee Jr., and his wife Kathleen, Operation Smile has grown to be a global network of medical professionals dedicated to providing free surgical care for individuals with Clet anomalies in more than 60 countries. Yet, the extent of their impact is not limited to repairing clets because they also provide a wide range of treatment such as postoperative therapy, mental support, and nutritional services ensuring that the child receives optimal care.
Operation Smile is committed to providing every child born with a clet condition with the opportunity to have safe and high-quality surgery treatment, among other things. e surgical procedure lasts as little as 45 minutes, and it is life-changing for a child. e day ater surgery, several children will reveal instant improvements in their ability to eat and talk, resulting in a substantial improvement in their general well-being. e operation not only enhances their capacity to conduct normal tasks but also strengthens their self-esteem, go to school, and interact in social situations without fear of being ridiculed.
What is school doing? Our school relects this dedication to bettering Operation Smile’s mission through our very own club, Operation Smile Club. As the result of a group efort from students with aspirations to create real change in the world, the club predominantly involves fundraising, education and advocacy. By holding bake sales, charity runs and spreading awareness, participants aim to raise financial support for all their surgeries. In addition to raising funds, these events are opportunities to help educate our fellow students and donors about the complex social challenges of cleft conditions and how a relatively simple surgery has the power of transforming tens of thousands of lives each year.


The club is also involved in worldwide awareness events like World Smile Day spreading the information over social media and uniting support from larger communities. Integrating these initiatives into our school curriculum, we are not just raising money but also preparing a new generation of empathetic leaders who will better comprehend the consequences and efects health inequity has on individuals around the world.
e St. Paul’s Operation Smile Club encourages all students to get involved in this humanitarian efort so that a child never has to live with an untreated clet lip or palate. It is only united that we can change the narrative for afected children. We hope you join our cause, and thank you for your time and support.