Student Programs: A Leadership Journey
For over 40 years, Operation Smile’s Student Programs have empowered young people to become leaders in a global movement for health equity. Today, our network spans over 40 countries with more than 400 student clubs, all dedicated to creating a world where every child has access to life-changing care.
Our program is built on the official Vision and Mission of Operation Smile’s global student community:
Our Vision:
We envision a world where every child has access to life-changing, comprehensive medical care — and where every student across the globe takes action to make it possible.
Our Mission:
We empower student volunteers to make a direct impact on the lives of our patients and their communities. We cultivate generations of compassionate, empathetic leaders whose meaningful contributions help to increase access to medical care, educate around cleft conditions and build kinder, more inclusive communities around the world.
To achieve this, our activities are focused on three core pillars: Education, Advocacy, and Action.
Email Student Programs – [email protected]
Application & Onboarding
Your journey begins with a high bar to ensure commitment. You must complete our application process, attend a mandatory induction meeting, and finish our online learning modules before any volunteering can begin. This ensures you are a confident and knowledgeable ambassador for our cause.
School Clubs – Start a school club
Student clubs, with the approval of the school / university and relevant educational authority, focus on leadership, education, service, awareness and fundraising, contributing much-needed funds for surgical costs as well as educating their school and local communities about cleft conditions.
Presentations in Schools & Universities
Operation Smile UAE has benefited from the success and ongoing support from schools which have welcomed whole school presentations by OSUAE staff. Age appropriate presentations from KG (FS, EY) through to Year 13, including parents, have ensured that everyone has a clear understanding of the charity and the patients it helps.
The Operation Smile staff are also able to provide tailored presentations for university level including pre-med and dental students.
Students on Medical Missions
Student volunteers can train to help during medical missions. Students help comfort and educate our young patients and their families. Students also help with translation for patient’s families and assist medical volunteers.
U-Lead Conference
The U-Lead is open to students from various schools as well as those learning from home. Participants will have the opportunity to learn valuable leadership skills, explore topics relevant to the charity, participate in activities, gain information about Operation Smile Student Programs, connect with club members and much, much more!
International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC)
Each year, Operation Smile hosts its International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) at a different university around the world. This annual conference helps students develop and strengthen their leadership skills and character, provides training on how to help those in developing countries, as well as exposes them to different cultures. Current high school freshman, sophomores and juniors are invited to attend this weeklong leadership conference.
Recent activities and initiatives
Take a look at the latest activities and initiatives being organized by OSUAE Student Programs and our School Clubs