![Makiba holding a picture of herself before cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2023-04/makiba-50.jpg?itok=-6n7kO-v)
History Did Not Repeat Itself with Makiba
In the shadow of unthinkable tragedy, Smile Train helped turn sorrow into hope
![Yohanes and his mother smiling and holding a picture of him before cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2023-01/yohanes-50.jpg?itok=lP601sFF)
Never Sleep on Yohanes
More proof that nothing is stronger than a mother’s love
![Kristiyana smelling a rose](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-08/kristiyana-smelling-rose-social-media-header_0.jpg?itok=5qpFtEzc)
Kristiyana: How a Two-Hour Surgery Changed a Little Girl's Life
For Kristiyana’s family, Smile Train opened new opportunities for happier lives
![Yordanka with her son Dani](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-05/yordanka-and-dani-free-cleft-lip-palate-surgery-bulgaria-smile-train-50_0.jpg?itok=QnkFcXhC)
This Cleft Mom and Speech Therapist Knows All That a Smile Can Mean
![Maxi's mother holding him just after his free cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2022-04/maxi-with-mom-after-free-cleft-lip-palate-surgery-paraguay-smile-train-50.jpg?itok=dTXw-IFt)
The Wait Is Over: Paraguay's First Local, Sustainable Cleft Care Center Opens
![Dr. Bethel Ethiopia](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-10/oral-health-training-group%20%283%29.png?itok=U7-5uG3Q)
Untold Stories
In Ethiopia, Dr. Bethel and Smile Train are changing the narrative around malnutrition.
![Training doctors to provide free cleft lip and palate surgery in Asuncion, Paraguay.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-05/training-in-paraguay-for-free-cleft-lip-palate-surgery-in-asuncion.jpg?itok=wxWVIyks)
Smile Train’s Next Stop: Paraguay
Building a sustainable, local foundation for success in our newest partner country.
![Sesnie hugging a boy after cleft lip and cleft palate surgery in Ethiopia](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-04/sesnie-hugging-cleft-lip-cleft-palate-patient-ethiopia.jpg?itok=UGvLse46)
"I Am Resilient!" Meet Smile Train's Program Manager for East Africa
A conversation with one of our heroes.
![Dr. Amanda Malungo holding a cleft patient after his surgery.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-03/amanda-malungo-cleft-lip-cleft-palate-surgeon-zambia-holding-patient.jpg?itok=iM3or6IP)
This Woman — and Smile Train Partner — is Making History in Zambia
She's 36 years old, a mother of four, Zambia's first female plastic surgeon, and a Smile Train partner. Here's how she does it all.
![Cristina Solano](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/cristina-solano-headshot.jpg?itok=w6vgJRcv)
Cristina Solano: Speaking from the Heart
When Cristina learned her son would have a cleft, she sought comfort and support, but found none, even from the local community. Until she met Dr. Dávalos. In the 10 years since, they've changed what it means to have a cleft in Ecuador, together.