SOS Children Villages has announced an initiative aimed at promoting oral health in Rwandan schools. As part of this effort, the organization wants tooth brushing mandatory during school hours across all schools in Rwanda.
The “Healthy Teeth For Life” project, operating under the School-Based Oral Health Promotion Program, seeks to increase awareness among the general public about the significance of oral hygiene.
Aligned with the National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2019-2024, the project’s objective is to advocate for the implementation of a comprehensive national system for school-based toothbrushing and handwashing programs.
George Gakuba, the head of project at SOS, shared insights during a press briefing at Kacyiru revealing that preparatory measures are already in progress, including the procurement of educational and digital materials to support the initiative.
Gakuba furthermore added that, stakeholders are actively involved in facilitating the full implementation of the initiative.
“We are collaborating with the University of Rwanda, School of Dentistry, as well as students and Dentistry Without Borders, who are key partners in the project’s implementation,” he stated.
SOS Children Villages has already conducted training sessions for trainers in various districts to ensure effective project implementation, with Groupe Scolaire Gacurabwenge taking the lead.
In addition to the Healthy Teeth For Life project, SOS continues its mandate of rehabilitating street children to improve their welfare and create an environment similar to that of children living in biological families.
The organisation is also focusing on reintegration and foster care to provide family support while children are reunited with their biological families.
As part of its humanitarian efforts, the organization is involved in direct family empowerment and community empowerment initiatives.
Through rigorous screening processes, 11 children are selected from the community. Some receive renovations to their living conditions, while others benefit from SOS’s internal rehabilitation services, depending on the financial status of their families.
