Tag: Student Volunteers

UAE hosts inaugural Operation Smile MENA Student Conference 2025 in Abu Dhabi

JulieStories, Student Programs, Uncategorized, Updates

ABU DHABI, 11th August, 2025 (WAM) – Operation Smile UAE organised the Operation Smile MENA Student Conference 2025 (MENASC 2025), a first-of-its-kind youth healthcare leadership summit in the Middle East and North Africa, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Alyazia bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The conference took place from 9th to 11th August 2025 at Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Awal School, Abu Dhabi. 50 high school students (aged 15–18) from Morocco, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan and the UAE joined for three days of intensive workshops focused on the theme ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming Lives’. Students were equipped with the knowledge, skills and inspiration to champion comprehensive cleft care and health equity in their communities.
For over 40 years, Operation Smile has embraced young leaders as a driving force with their “can do”, spirit and enthusiasm. The inaugural MENASC 2025 continues to invest in youth empowerment. “We are excited to launch this first-of-its-kind conference in the MENA region,” said Morag Cromey-Hawke, Executive Director of Operation Smile UAE.
“By uniting students from diverse cultures under a common mission, we empower a generation of compassionate young leaders. These participants will gain not only medical insights into cleft care, but also the confidence and advocacy skills to make a tangible difference. Our vision is a collaborative, inclusive MENA region where every child has access to life-changing care – and where youth lead the charge for health equity.”


MENASC 2025 featured workshops on cleft care and patient support. Students learnt about cleft conditions, oral hygiene, speech and language therapy, nutrition and psychosocial care. Students also
developed leadership skills to advocate for patients with cleft conditions through social media campaigns and awareness activities.

Through team-building exercises and cultural exchange activities, the young delegates embody Operation Smile’s values of compassion, resilience and collaboration. “This conference is not just an event – it’s the beginning of a movement,” said Rifaa Mehnaz, an Operation Smile student volunteer and team leader from the UAE.
“When I joined Operation Smile, I knew I’d be helping others, but I didn’t expect how much it would open my eyes to the power of connection, empathy and global community. Being part of Operation Smile has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life – it gave me a deeper sense of purpose and the confidence to lead with heart. I’ve seen firsthand how a single surgery can truly change a child’s life, and the overwhelming gratitude from families fills the atmosphere. This conference ignited that same spark in others, empowering us to return home as cleft care champions ready to create new smiles in our
communities.”
The ripple effect of MENASC 2025 will extend across the region as students turn knowledge into action – ensuring that every child can smile, speak and thrive with dignity.


Volunteer Stories : NYUAD Students work with Operation Smile UAE

JulieStories, Uncategorized, Updates

Photo shows student volunteer Alex taking photos of an Operation Smile UAE patient's cleft palate
NYUAD Student Volunteer Alex (left) with Patient Imageing Technician, Pearly (right) taking photos of an Opeartion Smile UAE patient during a check up

By Adryka Vats, U-Voice student storyteller 

Operation Smile UAE has had a long-lasting relationship with New York University, Abu Dhabi. Strengthening that bond, in the March 2022 mission at Burjeel Medical City, three NYUAD students came on board. They all came in with curious minds and compassionate hearts and left with a bag of memories and lifelong lessons.

Tatiana, majoring in Biology, joined the medical mission as a Medical Records Assistant.  She had always been aware of Operation Smile through alumni and developed an interest in its work. The name was always familiar to her so when she saw an opening in the medical mission, she took that as a sign and went for it.

Faisal, majoring in Biology, helped out as a Patient Imaging Technician. He particularly related to Operation Smile’s work as he hasfamily members with cleft conditions. Since he attended high school in AbuDhabi, he was well-acquainted with the organization. When the opportunity to participate in a medical mission came by, he knew it was meant for him and applied right away.

Alex, majoring in Biology, also assisted as a Patient Imaging Technician. Unlike Tatiana and Faisal, Alex wasn’t really aware of Operation Smile’s work. He found out about it through a job posting and was drawn to the opportunity.

For all of them, the fact that they were able to get some experience in a medical setting but also have the aspect of helping people was perfect.

When asked about their experience at the medical mission, Tatiana mentioned how she always has had an ‘up down’ relationship with medicine.

She said, “When you get immersed into the technical aspect of medicine, you forget why you initially wanted to do medicine. So, this was wonderful as it reminded me of why I chose this as a career path for me.”

Tatiana particularly loved the collaborative environment and the fact that she was making an impact.

“I loved existing in such a dynamic environment where you’re not doing things just for the sake of doing it and you lose track of time,” she said.

The exposure of talking to doctors was an insightful one. She left feeling inspired and connected a lot of her moments back to her home country, Lebanon.

NYUAD student Tatiana reviews medical records during a screening session for Opeartion Smile UAE.
Credit: Operation Smile UAE

Faisal answered by saying, “Ilearned more in these past few days than I have in months.”

He got the opportunity to discuss a surgery which he found fascinating. Moreover, seeing the dramatic change in patients and parents made him realizethe sheer impact of Operation Smile.

“It really puts things in perspective,” he said, “We spend the entire week stressed about exams but things like this just make you realize that there are so many other beautiful things.”

He enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes work that goes in prepping patients for surgery. He loved the fact that Operation Smile UAE was so accepting and was filling in the gaps in the healthcare system.

Reminiscing about the mission, Tatiana realized that it doesn’t take a lot for people to make a change.

“It just takes a few people who have the skills and capabilities to say yes,” she further said, “Medicine is seen as such a lucrative job but just seeing doctors who want to do this because it’s a calling is inspiring.”

Faisal added to that by saying “People devoting themselves to helping other people is way more than just a profession. It becomes part of your identity.”

Alex answered, “We woke up at 5:40 am and came here and all the surgeries were done by 2 pm. Look at the number of things you can get done by waking up early. You literally changed the lives of 6 people.“

He further elaborated, “With the right objective and the right mindset and a little bit of investment, you can really make a difference.”

NYUAD student Faisal (right) spends time with a patient during the Operation Smile UAE medical mission at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi. Credit: Operation Smile UAE

For Tatiana, she was particularly struck by how each and every person remembered each patient’s name.It’s a small detail but signifies a lot. “Just the fact that you follow these people so closely throughout their lifetimes is so fulfilling and so inspiring. This is the kind of medical professional and person I eventually want to be,”she said.

We certainly don’t know what the future holds but their ultimate goal is to get into medical school, set up an NGO-like Operation Smile, and make an impact through their work.

For anyone thinking about joining Operation Smile, here’s what Tatiana had to say:

“Go for it and don’t be afraid to ask questions! I think compassion is the most important thing and if you’re here then you’re the right person to be here.”

Just like every volunteer, this medical mission created a hugeimpact on them and has prepared them for the future.

Whether it was Tatiana’s infectious laugh or Faisal’s intriguing conversations, or Alex’s Korean talk with student volunteers, they all brought something special to the mission.