Teeth-brushing and vegetable classes in Nicaragua

Unfortunately, for many of the kids in the Northern Nicaraguan community La Thompson dental hygiene is neglected due to financial constraints and lack of education. Many children attending the GVI School in La Thompson complain of toothaches, and have visibly bad teeth from lack of brushing.

However, thanks to a charitable donation by Tom Kasauskas and his family, GVI has initiated a toothbrush and toothpaste program. To make the program sustainable every month the children will receive new toothpaste and every 3-4 months a new toothbrush as well as hygiene classes.

These include the importance of brushing your teeth in addition to hand washing and general bathing. Last week GVI volunteers gave out the first batch of toothbrushes and toothpaste which were a hit. Imagine kids excited to brush their teeth!

One of the advantages of the GVI School in La Thompson is that volunteers are encouraged to use creative techniques when it comes to planning their own classes.

This gives the children, who perhaps might not benefit from traditional teaching methods, an opportunity to experience something new and alternative.

This last week we saw two great examples of this: volunteers in the preschooler class did a great art activity making little animals out of vegetables and toothpicks (which they got to eat after!),

while the older kids had a science/art lesson at a nearby river. It has been a fantastic few weeks and thanks to everyone involved!

Teeth-brushing and vegetable classes in Nicaragua