Teslima’s Story
Teslima initially arrived at Selam hospital in February 2026 at just three months old. Her parents were seeking treatment for her cleft lip but unfortunately their daughter was too undernourished to receive surgery at that time. Her parents were provided with nutritional supplement in the hopes that Teslima would grow strong enough to receive surgery at a later date.
In May after receiving enough nutritional support, Teslima and her parents returned to Selam hospital, and she was strong enough to undergo surgery for her cleft lip. Her mother explained to us that when Teslima was born at the health centre, the health workers told her about Teslima’s condition. This was very upsetting for her mother who chose to hide her baby at home from then on. People in the community, and even her relatives said horrible things to her about her own daughter, leading her to become even more isolated. “Previously I had no information about treatment for my daughter, but because of Project Harar, her life is changed” Teslima’s mother told us.
“After she received this treatment, her father was so happy. The hurtful comments did not matter anymore. Now I hope to participate again in my community and leave the house without feat of unkind words. I am so grateful to Project Harar.”
