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![During a 2021 Rwanda training program, 2-year-old Joshua shares a special moment with his mom Niyigena after surgery. Photo: Jorgen Hildebrandt.](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2021-11/RWA_2021_Kigali_000_Joshua%20Amizero_Post_001_web.jpg?h=95651f9d&itok=LFmjGW0Y)
Scenes of Hope and Healing: Kigali Resident Training Program
To help alleviate needless suffering, we're aiming to increase the number of board-certified reconstructive plastic surgeons available to serve Rwanda's population by 2022.
![](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/COL_2019_Riohacha_242438651_Pedro%20Jesus%20Cisneros%20Torrealba_Before_001_0.jpg?h=560fc75e&itok=KxWpbvwC)
Amid Crisis, Healing
Pedro's family fled the crisis in Venezuela with hopes of a better life and cleft surgery in Colombia.
![Samuel before surgery. Photo: Zute Lightfoot.](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2021-11/GHA_2018_Ho_013_Samuel%20Anie_Before_001.jpg?h=c17af2bd&itok=L8CdXHo8)
The Life He Always Deserved Began After 18 Years
Since receiving cleft surgery, Samuel’s happiness and fulfillment stems from his friends, his job and how people treat him – a sharp contrast from how he spent his childhood.
![As part of a collaboration with the humanitarian INGO Medair and UNICEF, Operation Smile participated in the distribution of water, sanitation and hygiene kits for 500 vulnerable households in the town of Tamatave, one of Madagascar's COVID-19 hotspots. Photo: Eddy Kevin.](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2021-10/MGD_2020_Antananarivo_Humanitarian%20Aid%20Kits_006.jpg?h=3384c1da&itok=RMY9vtXS)
Celebrating Global Handwashing Day: Q&A with Nutrition Consultant Emily LaRose
Our nutrition consultant shares how simple hygiene and sanitation practices, such as handwashing, can be life-saving for the families and patients we serve.
![Photo courtesy of Katie Cole.](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2021-10/Katie%20Cole%20image%203_web.jpg?h=2e917688&itok=DuHTGQRF)
Action Inspired by Impact: Q&A with Katie Cole
A former patient of Dr. Bill Magee embodies her gratitude through service to children like herself and families affected by cleft conditions.
![World Smile Day](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2021-09/World%20Smile%20Day%20kick%20off%20image.jpg?h=c4e54fe5&itok=zYL8rzsO)
Celebrating World Smile Day 2021
Today is World Smile Day, but we've been celebrating the stories and smiles of our patients all week long.
![Photo: Zute Lightfoot.](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2021-09/MDG_2015_Mahanoro_203_Sandra%20Vavivola_After_025_web.jpg?h=95651f9d&itok=BNhrUrWA)
Two Lives Transformed by One New Smile
Inspired by her granddaughter's cleft care journey, Manuelle aims transform the lives of more families affected by cleft.
![Photo: Lorenzo Monacelli.](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2021-09/MDG_2019_Antsirabe_Screening_050-squared.jpg?h=b044a8f9&itok=RzNofbcs)
Ensuring Patient Safety on a Global Scale: Q&A with Dr. Bryan Zimmerman
In honor of World Patient Safety Day, we share this Q&A of an unsung hero who's responsible for safeguarding the health and well-being of Operation Smile's patients, volunteers and staff.
![Photo: John Streit.](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2021-09/USA_2021_Virgina%20Beach_Kellam%20HS_Dolphin%20Promise_006.jpg?h=6acd6912&itok=jnHHHuIn)
These High School Artists Create a Lasting Promise in Their Community
For these high school students, a dolphin statue not only represents iconic staples of their city, but recognizes a promise to support children born with cleft conditions.
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Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. Your gift today will help transform lives and increase access to essential surgical care.
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