2 Emirati women honoured for work among children born with deformities

posted on 07/06/2012: 816 views

Sheikha Lyazia Bint Saif Al Nahyan and Sheikha Fatima Bint Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan have been honoured by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emirates Green Building Council and Istidama for their work in ‘Operation Smile UAE,' Their contribution led to the improvement in the lives of hundreds of children born with cleft lips and cleft palates.

During a ceremony at the Dubai Chamber, Sheikha Lyazia, patron of Operation Smile UAE, and Sheikha Fatima Bint Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan were honoured for the foundation's work. The award was collected by Sheikha Fatima, who said the charity's achievements were only possible through the support of the UAE people.

Sheikha Fatima said, "Since January 2011, we have funded five missions in four different countries providing over 500 free safe corrective surgeries for children born with cleft lip and cleft palates. These children can now eat, drink, speak, attend school, be educated and feel valued. We could not have done this without the help of so many people and organisations.

She added: "In the past 18 months we have provided cleft care centres in Morocco, South Africa and Cambodia with dental chairs no longer used in Abu Dhabi but urgently needed in these countries. We have two more waiting to be fitted into a bus for the Emirates.”

Meanwhile, the awards ceremony was also utilised to launch Operation Smile UAE's latest campaign, called ‘Recycle to Smile,' which will collect used mobile phones, laptops, mp3 players and digital cameras – working or damaged – to raise money to help change more children's lives. – The Gulf Today

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