Free To Return To School, (Indonesia)

Sukiman, 15, spent his days alone at home instead of attending school with his seven brothers and sisters. His life of seclusion began in the third grade. Sukiman’s classmates had teased him mercilessly about his severe cleft lip, forcing him to drop out. Making the equivalent of $3 a day as rice farmers, his parents couldn’t afford to get their son surgery. Over the years, his adult top teeth had grown in twisted, with a couple of them sticking out when he closed his mouth. Eating and drinking was messy and embarrassing. Sukiman didn't want to go on living this way.

Life's New Chapter
This teenage boy's life was about to change dramatically. Sukiman was ecstatic when he and his parents found out Operation Blessing's Set a Child Free program was doing cleft lip and palate surgeries for free! He went to the hospital for an evaluation and the surgical team decided he was a perfect candidate. When he received surgery in June 2003, it ended a life filled with torment. The successful operation allowed Sukiman to return to the classroom with his head held up high.

A Mother's Dream
Sukiman was not the only young Indonesian who thought going to school was an unreachable dream. Adi and Melly's school career had been sporadic due to poverty. It costs money to attend school in Indonesia and the family just could not pay the fee consistently. Their mother worked for less than a dollar a day pumping air into tires for more wealthy Indonesians and service trucks. Her heart broke every time she had to tell Adi and Melly they couldn't go to school. But all of that was about to change.

When Adi and Melly's need came to our attention, Operation Blessing's Bless-A-Child program awarded them a tuition fee scholarship. Now attending sixth grade, Adi dreams of one day joining the marines. "I am very thankful for Operation Blessing's help."

The two children's mother commented, "I am very grateful this program really cares about our unfavorable circumstances. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the members of OBI who have helped my children to be able to continue their education."

Thank you for helping us set these three children free to receive an education! Countless children and adults are still living in poverty around the world. Help us help them one at a time.

Help us break the cycle of suffering today!