Intro
Global
Peru
Global
United States
Global
Mexico
United States
Global
Bolivia
![Students Smile at the Camera during ISLC 2023](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2023-08/ISLC%202023%20Video%20Photo.png?h=d1cb525d&itok=fAAJ5_p_)
‘I’m the key’: Lessons learned from our 2023 International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC)
Here’s a look at lessons learned from ISLC 2023 and how participants will make a difference for Operation Smile back home.
![Andrews](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2023-08/PER_2019_Lima_175_Andrews%20Santana%20Arias_After_006-801x1200-46a13e6.png?h=06156ce5&itok=d3NjPF-P)
“A Wonderful Organization”: Andrews’s Story
Valery spent hours researching her son's condition and ways to help him. Then she found Operation Smile Peru, which provided Andrews with the comprehensive care and surgery he needed.
![Laura Speaks During ISLC](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2023-07/Laura%20Alvarez.png?h=21a308b0&itok=O3ryKdvo)
Finding Her Purpose
Laura Alvarez’s life was changed by Operation Smile. But not because she was a patient of the organization.
![Dan Meyer Stands in the Sunset with his Bike](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2023-06/_DSF5844.jpg?h=e5aec6c8&itok=WGKP5xXa)
Biking Miles for Operation Smile
Dan Meyer is an Operation Smile supporter with a grand spirit and sense of determination that is an envy to all.
![Nurse Linda James Smiles for the Camera](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2023-06/RWA_2022_Bushenge_Nurse_Linda%20James_015-1597x2400-b8a5827.png?h=9cdfc488&itok=XXEGwS1w)
Transforming Lives at Scale
Linda James’s unique upbringing also encouraged her to expand her volunteerism past surgical programs and into helping Operation Smile develop its growing education and mentorship initiatives.
![Karla, in a red shirt, sits in the arm of her father, Dede, with her arm shooting up toward the skies while Dede holds her and a photo of her before surgery. Photo: Jasmin Shah.](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2022-06/MEX_2017_Oaxaca_156_Karla%20Victoria%20Martinez%20Velasco_After_184_0.jpg?h=9bdc9846&itok=Af-JACL9)
“A pillar of my life”
VIDEO: After two years of searching for surgery for his daughter Karla, hope returned to Ángel when he learned about an Operation Smile medical mission.
![ILC](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2022-06/USA_2021_Virgina%20Beach_ILC_Commercial%20Shoot_114.jpeg?h=1116cd87&itok=M1bCEz66)
Service-Learning Delivers a New Perspective to Students
Operation Smile's Interactive Learning Center has partnered with local schools to bring service-learning into the curriculum.
![Volunteer nurses Rodney and MJ](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2023-05/Rodney%20and%20Marijose.jpg?h=5babc6ce&itok=4gkJPIJV)
Voices from the Front Line: Nurses Rodney and MJ Kapunan
Rodney and MJ Kapunan have dedicated their lives to helping others at home and abroad. As nurses, they have participating in more than 30 Operation Smile surgical missions, transforming lives of patients with cleft conditions.
![Surgeon Dr. Billy Magee speaks with Global Surgery Fellow Atenas Bustamante and surgical resident Priyanka Naidu.](https://www.operationsmile.org/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_large/public/2023-04/BOL_2023_Santa%20Cruz_DAY3_003_web%20%281%29.jpg?h=95651f9d&itok=X5VMmJaz)
Education and Transformation: Operation Smile Champion Program
Operation Smile has witnessed how the lack of adequately trained health care professionals creates dangerous barriers to care, preventing older patients like Teofilo and Paulina from accessing timely surgery. During the March Champion Program in Bolivia, mentors paired up with eager mentees to help address this need.
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Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. Your gift today will help transform lives and increase access to essential surgical care.
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