The knowledge about cleft palate is not widely known & the number of untreated children has continued to increase with minimal funding & inadequate attention from government agencies. This project will ask students to help seek funds for operations of 10 children in late November, as part of a larger drive to help children with cleft palate as well as provide advanced training for rural surgeons. Following this project, more schools will be asked to sponsor the operation of one child per year
Many rural children & adults with cleft palates suffer immense hardships without realizing that these sufferings can be eradicated. Students will help promote & recruit those needing treatment from rural communities and join medical personnel in providing guidance & social support over this long period. The funds provided will help create a movement for youth to be an important part in raising awareness & resources to improve the quality of life & reduce suffering of children and their families.
The project will seek additional funds from the private sector to expand this effort through the Student Council of Thailand into secondary schools in northeast Thailand. The students will propose that each school support the operation of one child & that the correct knowledge of the suffering of people with cleft palate should be part of the school curriculum. This endeavor could be an important forerunner of other student-led movements to address concerns & basic needs of marginalized groups.
The effort initiated by this project will be expanded into a major movement among students, youth & their schools. The energy, understanding & funds to be generated by youth should be considerable and it is anticipated that an end to this suffering would be in sight for most rural people.
