Train Aracely: Give Dental Care to Bolivian Miners

Smiles Forever Helps Rectify the Sad State of Dental Care Available to Miners' Families

In Bolivia where 85 per cent of the population is indigenous or of Spanish origin, often the gap between the classes seems too large to surmount.  Smiles Forever has courageously tried to bridge this gap in the indigenous population of Morochata, Bolivia where many are retired silver miners who receive limited health care benefits from the country.  Their families suffer from dental diseases and need both urgent and preventative care.  Currently, Smiles Forever takes a dental clinic out on the road to serve this desperate population.  One of the interns, Aracely, has been working for weeks with a local dentist.  She has a wonderful heart for these people, and Aracely is building upon her skills.  She will still need to return to the Cochabamba school for further training and preparation for being part of a dental practice.  At that time, she may have an opportunity to continue to live in this community of former miners.

Geovanna's Life Journey: from surviving under a bridge with her siblings and alcoholic mother---to full time Smiles Forever hygienist trainer, supporting her children and forgiving her mother

Another student from our school, Geovanna, has gone far in her training.  Please watch the short video attached which shares the story of Geovanna whose mother was an alcoholic and lived with her children under a bridge.  Geovanna found a home in a shelter, Madre de Dios, which is now closed.  This orphanage/shelter was established by a nun from Philadelphia who really was like a Mother Theresa for Cochabamba.  Unfortunately, Geovanna was also abused sexually and she found herself homeless with her baby.  She returned to the shelter and found a new life by accepting a scholarship from Smiles Forever.  Now Geovanna works full time as a practical dental hygienist instructor.  Geovanna lives in a single room with her two children and rehabilitated mother.  Geovanna, as part of her training and work, has given of her talents to help the Morochata community.

Welcome Holiday Giftcard Recipients -- Please Redeem your Cards with Smiles Forever Projects

This is a wonderful time of year to share with our fellow passengers on planet earth.  Bolivia is basked in sunshine as the country is south of the equator.  Some of the warmest temperatures are right now during the holiday season, topping 100 degrees.  Our hygienist school will be back in session soon.  We actually only have a single fan--no air conditioning.  Perhaps with your generosity, we can splurge for a second fan.  Of course, the care of our patients and the instruction of our students continues even in hot weather.  We'd like to wish you all the best of Holiday Seasons and send out a hello to all of you who are enjoying the snow of a White Christmas.

Links:

• Begins with land-locked Bolivia then tells Geovanna's story