Hebist’s Story

Hebist arrived at Selam hospital with a cleft lip and palate. She was 11 months old at the time of visiting our programme. She previously visited a programme at Selam hospital but was unable to receive treatment due to a cough at the time.  

Hebist’s mother told us that cleft conditions had not been seen in her family before and that she sought treatment soon after Hebist was born but was told that she was too young and to return when her baby was older.

Hebist’s mother shared with us ‘When she was born with these cleft conditions we were very worried about her. People asked us why we had been so unlucky and they told us it was a punishment. Because of all these speculations we hid Hebist away. We went to the local health centre and asked where we can go for treatment but we did not have enough money. After this we heard about Project Harar and made the journey to attend one of their programmes.’  

‘After arriving at Selam hospital my daughter received great treatment and I am proud. My community has shamed my family for her condition and our social life has been greatly impacted. Now we are free to take part in our community again and to attend church. I want to thank Project Harar for such an amazing service and I will reach out in my community to share the good work of the organisation.’