A Student Of Resiliency

Kamse was excited for his first day of school, but, when the day finally came, he was taunted all day long. Kamse ran home and begged his grandfather never to make him go back.

Kamse living with an untreated cleft lip in Kenya

Kamse was born with a cleft lip in an isolated settlement on Kenya’s border with Uganda. The family was unaware that cleft surgery was possible, so they didn’t look for available treatment.

Kamse before cleft surgery at home

Kamse’s grandfather, Lokapel, believed that his grandson was being neglected by his parents. He remained silent until he learned that Kamse’s parents weren’t going to enroll him in school like his siblings. So, despite his meager earnings and advanced age, Lokapel asked Kamse’s parents if his grandson could move into his house. They agreed, and Kamse was enrolled in school.

Kamse in a classroom sitting at his desk

Kamse was excited for his first day of school, but, when the day finally came, he was taunted all day long. Kamse ran home and begged his grandfather never to make him go back.

Kamse hides behind a tree during recess

Lokapel eventually convinced Kamse of the importance of school, but, unfortunately, the teasing didn’t stop. To avoid the bullying, Kamse would hide in the bushes when he saw other children on the way to school. This stressful environment affected Kamse’s performance, and he fell behind in his studies.

Kamse sits in front of house

Everything changed when a health worker came to the settlement and shared that Kamse could receive a Smile Train-supported cleft surgery at Cure Kijabe Hospital. Since the family had no means of getting to the hospital, the health worker even set up Smile Train-supported transportation to ensure that they could get to the hospital.

Kamse after cleft surgery

The very first time Kamse left his village was the adventure of a lifetime, and he intently stared out the windows for the entire five-hour bus ride. Then, the brave 11-year-old received his forever smile.

Kamse with a group of friends at school

When Kamse returned home, everyone was amazed at his transformation — inside and out. The once-shy boy almost immediately opened-up and started making friends at school.

Kamse at his desk doing school work

Since his cleft treatment, Kamse has never missed a day of school. He participates in class and takes full advantage of recreation time. He says he loves his new life.

Kamse next to his grandfather Lokapel

Lokapel has never been happier either.

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