"Without the dedication of the staff, the organization would hardly have achieved the successes it has achieved in its 35-year journey in Vietnam. All efforts are for the common goal: to perform as many surgeries as possible for children." That is the opinion of a foreign expert when accompanying the non- governmental organization Operation Smile (OS).
OS humanitarian surgery for patients with cleft lip and palate deformities in Hanoi in March |
Operation Smile helps you find your smile again |
Volunteer Marina Tanaka Chaques (UWC ISAK International College, Karuizawa, Japan):
"Special experience"
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| Japanese-Spanish volunteer Marina Tanaka Chaques (UWC ISAK International College, Karuizawa, Japan) (far left) (Photo: Dinh Hoa). |
Before arriving in Vietnam, my Vietnamese classmates introduced me to this country with beautiful landscapes, world- famous for its delicious food, and friendly, hospitable people. When my classmates suggested that I sign up to volunteer for the “Operation Smile Vietnam” program in Hanoi, I immediately agreed. We set a goal to turn this special experience into a group project.
On the first day of the volunteer program, I thought I would not be able to encourage or help the sick children and their relatives because I did not know Vietnamese. On the second day, the parents and children gradually got used to me. The children liked to play with me, the parents always said thank you and smiled friendly. I was touched because even though we came from different countries, we could still find similarities.
Volunteer Pham Ngoc Minh Anh (UWC ISAK International School, Karuizawa, Japan):
Try from the smallest things
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| Volunteer Pham Ngoc Minh Anh (middle) (Photo: Dinh Hoa). |
During the past 11-15/3, I supported the medical staff of the program in Hanoi to collect the medical records of the children or take the children's family members to the waiting area and some other tasks. Even if it was just the smallest tasks such as guiding the queue or getting a number for examination, whatever I could do to help the children's families, I tried to support.
Every time I volunteer with Operation Smile, I am strongly inspired to make efforts in my studies. After completing my studies in Japan, I will look for opportunities to work in the field of women and children's rights protection so that I can return and contribute to my country in the future.
Advisory Board Member of Operation Smile Vietnam Indronil Sengupta:
"Proud of a dedicated team"
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Mr. Indronil Sengupta (Chairman of Indian Business Association in Vietnam (INCHAM)) - Member of the Advisory Board of Operation Smile in Vietnam (Photo: Dinh Hoa). |
With 10 years as an Advisory Board Member of Operation Smile in Vietnam, I am proud to witness the growth of the organization.
The volunteer medical examination teams are present in many provinces and cities across the country, from the South to the North. At every stop, the love of the people for the team is like "family". More than anything, the Operation Smile team feels the happiness of "giving" smiles to children with cleft lip and palate deformities in the locality, contributing to reducing the material and mental burden for their families.
Without the dedication of the staff, the organization would hardly have achieved the successes it has achieved in its 35-year journey in Vietnam. All efforts are for the same goal: to perform as many surgeries as possible for children.
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