SENAYIT’S STORY
Senayit is one of the children that came to Woldia comprehensive specialised hospital to receive surgery for her cleft lip. Senayit and her family travelled for almost two days to reach the hospital in Woldia Town.
Senayit’s father shared their experience with us, explaining that they had previously brought her to a programme in Addis Abeba but she was too undernourished to receive surgery. Before the family had a chance to bring Senayit back Covid-19 happened, and elective surgeries were put on hold. Several years later, now 3 years old, Senayit was able to receive the surgery she needed.
He told us about when she went to school with her older brother, explaining that the other children made fun of her and called them both names.
“Her mother and I are very protective of her, that is why we do not want her to go outside of the house because we do not want the children to make fun of her.”
“After her cleft lip surgery I will be sending her back to her school. I hope the children will no longer notice her lips and make fun of her. I want her to make fiends so she can have someone to play with. I am very happy that she got this chance and in the future I hope she becomes what she desires and what God has planned for her.”
Following her surgery, Senayit’s family were very excited to go and get professional photos taken. After facing years of bullying and ridicule about the way she looked, they wanted to celebrate the beginning of this new chapter for Senayit.
Senayit’s parents can now send her too school and let her play with the other children without having to worry that they will be mean to her. Her brother can also now go to school with her, without the fear that he will be bullied to. When a child is provided with cleft treatment, you not only change their lives, giving them a chance at a happy and hopeful future, you also touch the lives of so many others.