Can you help a child like Selam?
At just one year old Selam from the Amhara region underwent cleft lip surgery through one of our programs. At four years old she returned to hospital for her cleft palate surgery. Selam lived with her siblings and mother Thehay. One of the most significant challenges Thehay encountered was feeding Selam. As many parents of children with untreated cleft and lip palate can relate, feeding becomes difficult due to the split or gap in the lip or palate. With Selam having both conditions, ensuring proper nourishment proved to be a struggle and she remained underweight for much of her early years Thehay had to find alternative methods, saying, “After a while, I started using bottles and syringes to feed her which helped a lot”.
After Selam received her second cleft surgery for her palate, we had the opportunity to interview Thehay about her experience with Project Harar’s services. “I am very happy that she received surgery before starting school. I know the challenges she would have faced if she hadn’t under-gone these procedures. Raising her alone has been difficult, as my spouse left me, but I worked hard to provide for her and her sister while ensuring she received the necessary medical treatments.”
Selam’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that our work has on the lives of individuals and their families. Her journey showcases the transformative power of cleft lip and palate surgeries, providing not only physical healing but also newfound confidence and hope. At Project Harar, we are committed to continuing our mission of changing lives, one smile at a time. Together, let’s create more stories of resilience, joy, and transformation for those in need.
