Shrewsbury Join Operation Smile’s 100th Mission
Exceptional People Our Spotlight Outstanding Opportunities Riverside Senior Riverside Sixth form SHR Article SHR Upcoming eventOn Saturday 2nd November, teachers Chris Simcox and Emma Noake travelled to Mae Sot with six Year 13 students: Anoma (Annie) Thawornbut, Chanokteera (Blink) Ruechuseth, Anya (Pang) Isarangkura, Meerasa (May May) Akkanwattananukul, Mosa (Mos) Seshoka, and Kolkorn (Mew) Kirunsap to join Operation Smile in their 100th Mission.
Sunday 3rd November was the screening day when 148 families were admitted to the Mae Sot General Hospital. We followed patients through screening, photography and interviews; decorated the wards and worked with families to understand their story. The welcome dinner that night was very interesting with karaoke from students and some of the medical staff!
Monday 4th we worked with patients prior to their operations for cleft lip, cleft palate, burns and other plastic surgery requirements. We also had the privilege of questions and answers with Dr. Apichai, Regional Field Director for OST and the lead plastic surgeon.
Mos shared his reflections after working with patients before and after their surgeries: “Children were generally very young and seemed unaware, so they were playing around most of the time. However, some children I interacted with seemed tired from the enduring procedures and consultations. The parents, on the other hand, felt exhausted and nervous for their child’s surgery. We could feel their sense of relief and joy in seeing their children about to undergo this life-changing surgery.”
Tuesday 5th we went to Mae Tao Refugee camp clinic and worked with younger students in the day care centre. We took toys and games for them.
The highlight of the mission was to enter the Operating Room area, where we all gowned up for the tour to learn about anaesthesia, recovery and to observe surgeries taking place.
Blink reflected on witnessing surgery for the first time and the profound impact of the medical work: “This was my first time witnessing surgery in real life, and at times, it felt almost surreal knowing these procedures would transform patients’ lives. I was especially struck by cases with local anaesthesia, where patients could walk out on their own shortly after the operation. It was an entirely new experience for me, and seeing the seamless teamwork among the medical staff, both in and out of the operating room, was truly inspiring. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the dedication and collaboration that goes into their work.”
Wednesday 6th we met new patients but also said bye bye to some that we had followed from Day 1. Mos added that, “recognising the lasting impacts of cleft lip and palate surgery in the lives of these patients was a truly inspiring experience. Through witnessing the transformation of certain children I played with before and after surgery, I acknowledged the potential of non-profit healthcare organisations and medical volunteers in improving the quality of life for many underprivileged communities.”
Our students were tremendous ambassadors for Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside, they all worked so very hard and threw themselves into every experience available. This was a very emotional trip for the students and lovely to see them make real connections with others. They took great interest in the patients, listened to their stories and watched some of the patient journeys from checking into the hospital to checking out. They all received certificates from Operation Smile, and the staff from Operation Smile were very impressed with them and are looking forward to working with Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside again on future projects.
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