The purpose of the project is to create understanding, acceptance and tolerance toward children who suffer from cleft lips and palates, a birth defect affecting millions of children worldwide.

Classes are paired with pen pal classes when their teacher registers for the project with The Smile Train, by contacting via email tw195@columbia.edu.  Classes then exchange a small stuffed animal called a "cleft buddy". A "cleft buddy" is a stuffed animal that symbolically represents a child born with a cleft lip and palate. When the "cleft buddy" is exchanged with a pen pal class, students communicate via e-mail and postal mail, reporting on the condition of the "cleft buddy". Utilizing information posted on the web, teachers develop activities with their classes encouraging awareness and sensitivity to the plight of children born with cleft lips and palates. Classes problem-solve to decide how to help their buddy receive the surgery that will change its life forever.
 

Involvement

Since the "Smile Train Cleft Buddy Project" is under the guidance of the teacher, the project will develop according to the curriculum goals that the teacher sets. Depending on circumstances, the buddy can make home visits, go on class excursions to a hospital, enjoy social events and become a mascot for the class. It is hoped that students will be stimulated by the "Smile Train Cleft Buddy Project" to learn more about birth defects while developing tolerance and understanding for children afflicted with this condition.