From Speech Therapy to Mastering Three Languages

Sabira’s parents first realised something was different about their new baby when she had trouble eating and drinking. When she began to talk, her voice sounded like it was coming through her nose. She was clearly a bright little girl with a lot to say. She got so frustrated when her parents could not understand her. 

Sabira’s father, Abdulrahman, empathised with her. He had grown up with a relative who had a speech impediment — but they had lived a long, healthy life, so he did not think to consult a doctor. 

When Sabira was three years old, she got sick and had to visit an ear, nose, and throat specialist. While treating her, the doctor came to Sabrina’s parents with shocking news: she had a cleft palate.

Sabira’s parents leapt into action as soon as they got her diagnosis. They brought her to the Burn/Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP) centre at Yekatit 12 Hospital, where she underwent surgery. Since Yekatit 12 is a Smile Train partner, all of Sabira’s treatments were 100 % free for her family!

After surgery, Sabira began the next phase of her cleft treatment: speech therapy. In addition to seeing a specialist, she diligently practised her exercises at home while her parents cheered her on with endless love and encouragement. Through persistence and hard work, Sabira began to speak with more confidence.

Today, Sabira’s parents are so proud of their brilliant young daughter. She is active in school and loves chatting with her friends. She has fully embraced her love of language, and now speaks three local dialects!

Sabira and her parents are so grateful for Smile Train’s support and the profound difference lasting, high-quality cleft care has made in their lives.