Dear Rotary Club of Berwick,
We often speak of change as the things we have done; the visits, the surgeries, and the training. However, Interplast’s impact can also be measured in what we no longer do.
In the past year alone, 1,772 of staff in partner countries undertook training through Interplast, made possible by the generosity of their Australian and New Zealand colleagues who give freely of their time and knowledge. By providing these opportunities for professional development, we can support our partners to serve their communities now, and also develop their capacity to teach others in the future.
One day, Interplast will no longer need to treat patients or provide training. Our international colleagues will have the resources, knowledge and experience to perform procedures locally and when needed. Every training session, mentoring visit and online course takes us a step closer to that goal.
So, whilst we often judge success by our current outputs, let’s also celebrate what we no longer have to do.
There is much to celebrate when thinking about the past 40 years of Interplast. I encourage you to join us in Melbourne on Saturday 11th November 2023, to look back on the impact you have had on the many countries in the Asia and Pacific regions, and the lives of people that have been changed because Interplast volunteers and partners have been there to change them.
I look forward to sharing more about this event in the near future.
Sincerely,
Cameron Glover
Chief Executive Officer
Dafne in 2017, before and after surgery to repair a cleft lip. Her in 2023 during our recent visit. |
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Dafne thrives after early intervention |
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While we’re honoured to share stories of successful procedures, sometimes there can be just as much reason to celebrate the stories of those who don’t receive surgery.
During our recent trip back to Tonga this year, our team followed up with Dafne. We first met Dafne and her mother in 2017, when she was three months old. Though this is the recommended age for babies to receive this surgery, Dafne’s mother still struggled with anxiety at the thought of her daughter’s procedure.
“I was so nervous. This is the first cleft lip in our family and our little village. But I said to myself ‘It’s okay. This team is doing their best to take care of my baby.'"
Thankfully, it wasn’t too long before Dafne was back in her mother’s arms, to the relief and happiness of all.
This year the visiting team were able to follow up with Dafne, who is now six years old! After consultation, it was clear that she would not need any further procedures for the indefinite future. She is free to spend her time continuing to grow, play and learn.
Interplast acknowledges the generosity of the Rotary Clubs of the Mornington Peninsula Cluster in District 9820 and Rotary Clubs of District 9920, and the invaluable support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) for making this visit possible. |
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