![Mrighna with her mother after free Smile Train cleft surgery in Nepal](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-07/mrighna-with-mother-after-free-smile-train-cleft-lip-palate-surgery-nepal.jpg?itok=eJUmQDrP)
A Mother Learns to Trust
![Dr Esther Nyambura Njoroge](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-03/dr-esther-nyambura-njoroge.jpg?itok=qnfChSdH)
A Calling and a Duty: Advocating for Universal Health Coverage
An interview with Dr. Esther Njoroge-Muriithi.
![Mirian sits in a dress with untreated cleft lip](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/mirian-sits-in-dress.jpg?itok=EsVtwYsk)
A Warrior at Heart
At one month old, Mirian weighed just four pounds. Five months later, with the support of our local partners, she had transformed into a happy, chubby baby.
A Virtual Journey of Smiles to Africa
Smile Train staff in Africa are ready to show you the impact of your support.
A Tourist, a Phone Call, and a Child Given a Second Chance at Life
Small acts of kindness can have really big consequences.
![Maria before her cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/maria-before-surgery-super.jpg?itok=cIdu5sXn)
It’s Never Too Late to Dream
Maria has been waiting for cleft surgery since 1953. When the opportunity came, her son wanted her to pass.
![Ayubu before cleft lip surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/ayubu-before-cleft-lip-surgery.jpg?itok=9wYWba9j)
A Smile That Brightens And Enlightens
Ayubu's classmates harassed him relentlessly for years because of a local myth about clefts. When he was 10 years old, his mother heard there was hope at a hospital less than an hour away.
![Valery holds the image of herself before cleft lip surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/valery-holding-before-cleft-surgery-image.jpg?itok=89hoR6nv)
The Smile Virtuoso
When Valery was born, her parents cried at the sight of her cleft. Now, thanks to continuing treatment sponsored by Smile Train, Valery fills their lives with song and music.
![Sushila holds the image of herself before cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/sushila-holds-her-before-image.jpg?itok=mzKin1NC)
A Smile Educates
Everyone told Gyana to abandon her daughter when she was born with a cleft; her husband threatened to kill himself if she didn't. Afraid for both their lives, she took the child and fled.
![Kamse living with an untreated cleft lip in Kenya](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/kamse-before-cleft-surgery.jpg?itok=sREJDK6G)
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.
![Jenious at his home holding an image of himself before cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/jenious-holding-before-image.jpg?itok=9vX3darf)
A Jenious Smile
After a rough beginning, Jenious' life is now filled with puppies, music, and kung-fu.