PROJECT HARAR
Mission Statement
Our vision is a world where no one lives a disadvantaged life because of a facial disfigurement. We work in Ethiopia, and for the 85% living in rural poverty we are a bridge to professional medical care. Year round we provide access to cleft surgeries, predominantly for children, who would be otherwise denied for financial reasons or simply by not being aware the surgery was available. We also run an annual mission to provide surgery for complex cases of facial disfigurement.
About This Cause
In rural Ethiopia many people living with facial deformities are unable to access medical support. This can result in them becoming marginalized from their own communities. People suffering from a facial disfigurement may be denied education, the opportunity to marry or even to get a job and earn a living. In a country where community is so important, being stigmatized for the way you look can be hugely detrimental to your way of life. Our Solution Our end-to-end service brings children from their rural homes to Addis Ababa for treatment. We provide them with transport, accommodation and medication. We are there after surgery too, ensuring that they rehabilitate and integrate back into their communities and schools. We also advocate within the community and local health services to spread knowledge, reduce stigma and improve social inclusion. This helps the children experience better health and social life. We also provide a year-round cleft programme supporting children with cleft lip and palate gain access to surgery and support. We support over 1000 children each year in our cleft programme.