In Vietnamese, Ngan's name means “star,” but she wasn't able to smile brightly because she was born with a cleft (兔唇) condition.

Ngan's family lives in a small, isolated village in southern Vietnam. Without help, her family would never have been able to afford the reconstructive surgery that would change Ngan's lite and give her a brighter future. But when Ngan's parents heard that Operation Smile was conducting a surgical mission in Danang, they did everything in their power to take Ngan there for medical mission. Ngan and her family travelled more than 200 miles for the chance to give her a new smile. Ngan received life-changing surgery on her cleft lip and palate and now, 10 years later, she is a happy, healthy, lively girl-with a smile that shows it.

Before she had surgery, Ngan's facial condition prevented her social engagement and even her involvement in school. Now, with the confidence she gained from her new smile, Ngan can reach her full potential.

Ngan's parents say they had given up everything but hope before Operation Smile gave their daughter the chance to see her dreams become a reality. “Many families in our province will abandon their child if a baby is born with a cleft,” Ngan's father said.

He never wants this to happen, knowing how incredible the transformation is with a free surgery through Operation Smile. Ngan's parents now actively refer to other families of children born with cleft conditions to Operation Smile. They are determined to ensure that every child has the opportunity for a brighter future, regardless of their appearances.

Operation Smile has provided hundreds of thousands of safe surgeries for those born with cleft conditions worldwide. If you would like additional information please visit www. operationsmile. org. uk/Star, call 020 3475 5126 or write to Operation Smile UK, Genos House, Juniper Drive, London SW18 1FY.

Every year, about 10 million people worldwide develop dementia( 痴呆). That number is expected to rise as the population ages. In fact, many countries will see a doubling of the dementia rate between 2018 and 2050, reports non-profit Alzheimer Europe. The Netherlands is one of them, but it’s also a leader in a creative supplement to nursing-home care called care farms.

Care farms—the Netherlands has over l,300 of them, a third of which cater to people with dementia—provide opportunities to spend two or more days a week in an outdoor natural environment, tending chickens or collecting vegetables, among other activities. Here, people can be active, get fresh air and stimulation, and feel valued while interacting with other workers md volunteers.

Professional care staff are there to assist as needed. “They’re providing the same care as an institution would, but it doesn’t feel like an institution.” says Maarten Fischer, director of the Federation of Dutch Care Farms.

Some care farms serve people with developmental disabilities, addictions or criminal records. Care farms have existed in a few countries since the 1970s and 1980s? And they’re been renowned. Fischer regularly receives calls from organization in Japan, Switzerland, South Korea and other locations. ‘‘Giving is important for self-esteem and for healing, but most people who receive care are no longer in a position to give, Fischer notes.” “On a farm, everyone contributes.”

According to Steve, who enjoyed a happy time In a care farm, “There has been a shift in the food that I eat, with vegan and vegetarian options becoming more predominant (主要的). I’m continuing to exercise regularly, I try to maintain more healthy sleep habits. I find myself checking in mentally to see if I am in a place where the glass of wine is being used as a numbing or coping tool or whether it is purely for enjoyment. I’m trying to spend more time in nature while I am not on the farm because I recognize its positive influence on my well-being.”

Want to explore new cultures, meet new people and do something worthwhile at the same time? You can do all three with the Global Development Association (GDA).

Whatever stage of life you’re at, wherever you go and whatever project you do in GDA, you’ll create positive changes in poor and remote communities.

We work with volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Most of our volunteers are aged 17-24. Now we need volunteer managers aged 25-75. They are extremely important in the safe and effective running of our programs. We have such roles as project managers and communication officers.

Depending on which role you choose, you could help to increase a community’s access to safe drinking water, or help to protect valuable local cultures. You might also design an adventure challenge to train young volunteers.

Not only will you help our young volunteers to develop personally, you’ll also learn new skills and increase your cultural awareness. You may have chances to meet new people who’ll become your lifelong friends.

This summer we have both 4-week and 7-week programs：

GDA ensures that volunteers work with community members and local project partners in places where our help is most needed. All of our projects are aimed at promoting the development of poor and remote communities.

There is no other chance like a GDA programme. Join us as a volunteer manager to develop your own skills while bringing benefits to these communities.

Find out more about joining a GDA programme:

Website: www.glodeve.org

Email: humanresources@glodeve.org