Strength in Every Stitch

Nurses are often the silent pillars of healthcare: dedicated, tireless, and deeply compassionate. Yet they rarely receive the recognition or specialized training they deserve to sharpen their skills. Especially in cleft care, opportunities for focused professional development have been scarce.

Smile Train is committed to changing this. In partnership with Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, we have designed “Nursing Care and Management of Cleft Lip and Palate,” India’s first course to build nurses’ capacity to deliver high-quality cleft care in their regions.

After a successful inaugural course in 2024, we proudly welcomed a second cohort of 32 nurses from nine Smile Train partner hospitals across West Bengal and Northeast India in 2025.

Held at CMC’s College of Nursing and the Departments of Plastic Surgery & Anaesthesia from May 30 to April 5, in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, and supported by Barzilai Foundation, the six-day intensive program went far beyond theory. From genetics and feeding techniques to pain management and psychosocial support, nurses engaged in immersive, hands-on learning — practicing in simulation labs, observing surgeries, and learning from 40 seasoned mentors.

Training nurses goes beyond building skills; it builds confidence, trust, and credibility and shapes a future where every child with a cleft has the chance to smile, eat, speak, and thrive — with a trained professional by their side every step of the way.

After completing the program, each nurse walked away not only more knowledgeable, but more confident, and empowered to be a cleft care leader in their community.

At Smile Train, we know that behind every healed smile is a nurse who made it possible with passion and dedication. Through this program, we are helping more nurses gain the strength, skill, and knowledge they need to provide the best care.