I am a student currently studying in my second year and we were asked to recently join up wih an NGO of our choice and help them out where they need. This could range from press releases to organising events and creating awareness. An NGO (Non-Governmental Institution) is a legally constituted organization that operates independently from government and so therefore does not receive any funds. These organizations maintain their status by not involving any government officials but rather they involve the social aspect and society and mainly receive funds from sponsorships and donations whilst one is donating to a good cause.
There is an NGO I want to make aware to the public that is operated worldwide, Operation Smile.
Operation Smile is a mobilized force of medical professionals who provide safe, effective reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate. Many of these children are often unable to eat, speak or smile. Parents usually cannot afford to pay for their surgeries that these children need to live a normal life. This is where the international charity of Operation Smile comes in providing that much needed medical services around the world since 1982. The team consists of dedicated medical volunteers.
Money that the public donates to the cause goes to areas helping to pay for the surgery, allowing medical volunteers to visit those countries in need,
train their health care professionals as well as build awareness and leadership.
(before and after)
Operation Smile is also involved here in South Africa. They stand for the same initiatives as the international and they need your help just as much. They are constantly looking for funds, medical volunteers as well as having community and student programs available if anyone is wanting to get involved.
Since I started working with Operation Smile I can tell you, the staff there are out to make a difference. There are some exciting events in the pipeline that one must look out for and I want to encourage all to give some time and read up about this great cause. You can find out more at
http://southafrica.operationsmile.org/.
You as a reader can also make a difference by creating awareness and telling people about Operation Smile. You can also help by donating things to the “smile kits”. Things include toothbrushes, pens, soft toys and stickers-the list is endless.
If you are wanting to help in any way, you can contact Leigh Newlands (me):
Cell: 072 595 6596
Email: leighnewlands@live.co.za
Address: Operation Smile, 7th floor. The Pinnacle building, Cnr of Strand and Burg st, Cape Town.
“We need you. Our children need you”
