The idea of the day is to do a simple act of kindness for someone to make them smile. A survey revealed that many people are surprisingly self-conscious about their smiles: 39% worry about food stuck in their teeth, 20% about crooked teeth, and 16% dislike their weird smile in photos. 

However, the difficulties faced by thousands of South Africans who were born with cleft lips and palates extend far beyond simple concerns about their appearance. 

World Smile Day was created in 1999 by Harvey Ball, the artist behind the iconic smiley face. The day reminds us that a smile carries universal power, transcending borders, cultures, and languages.

“If you and I feel uncomfortable smiling because of the small things, like food stuck in our teeth, imagine a smile that needs surgery to shine,” said Operation Smile South Africa (Ossa) executive director Sarah Scarth. “That’s why we work so hard to raise the funds to provide free, life-changing treatment to children with clefts around the country.

“Not many know that a cleft lip surgery usually only takes 45 minutes, yet it creates a transformation in that child’s life that lasts a lifetime. With your support, Ossa can reach more people living with unrepaired cleft conditions and get them life-changing surgery and comprehensive care.

“Since its establishment in South Africa in 2006, Operation Smile has brought smiles to thousands of faces with the support of a volunteer network of medical specialists - and the general public.”

Meanwhile, the Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein is concluding Smile Week on Friday (3/10) after more than 20 children underwent life-changing reconstructive surgery.

The surgeries include cleft lip and palate repairs, allowing them to live healthier, more confident lives. Smile Week aims to provide free surgery and therapy for children with facial anomalies and burn injuries, giving them a chance at a brighter future and helping reduce the emotional and psychological challenges they face.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh