The Smiles Forever Dental Hygiene School in Cochabamba, Bolivia provides vocational training for underserved indigenous women, like Aracely, an orphan now 20. Aracely is enrolled in a fully accredited 2-year program, requiring a huge commitment. Aracely was selected as the lead dental hygienist for a goodwill visit to a clinic for displaced miners. She so impressed the local dentist, with her rapport for the poor and her endless energy, she was invited to apply for a job when certified.
The community of displaced miners suffers from rampant dental infections. Aracely & other young women like her who are doing field work for their 2nd year training, have the motivation to work among them and help correct the shocking lack of dental care. Only children 5 and under receive government help They want to give back to the poor Quechan or Amazonian people by working among them giving much-needed dental care. Aracely can rise above the challenges of her circumstances with your help.
Smiles Forever has for 16 years been breaking the pattern of hopelessness for young indigenous women by giving free or subsidized vocational training. Smiles Forever recognizes the special challenges of these highly vulnerable young women. Aracely has impressed a dentist who works with displaced miners and their families. When Aracely graduates, she could help this destitute community. In the meantime, the school needs supplies for more visits. In one day 120 tooth sealants were placed.
Aracely's training and placement in employment will have a ripple effect on her surroundings. Aracely is admired and accepted by the poorest people of Bolivia. She is eager to give her energy to help improve their dental health and lives. As an educated woman, Aracely won't be forced to be a servant, nor will she be doomed to be invisible and silent. Rather, Aracely will have a conscience and a voice to speak out against social ills. With more hard work and your support she can succeed.
This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Excel file (projdoc.xls).
