Aracelly was orphaned at 8 and sent to a shelter for girls who are in danger of abuse. When Aracelly turned 18, she automatically was sent from the only "home" where she has known safety. Because Smiles Forever partners with Nuestra Casa, giving dental care through our Dental Hygienist training school's outreach program, they came to us asking if we could help Aracelly. We could not deny such a deserving young woman, and we found a room for her in our own "dormitory" and school.
In Bolivia, it is common for young woman to be discarded or exploited by their families. Aracelly, a beautiful flower of a woman with a heart of blossoming kindness, wished to pursue a life serving others in either the medical or dental field. Her family sent her to an orphanage when Aracelly was only 9. Then upon reaching adulthood, age 18, she was told she must find another place to live and her own life. Aracelly had applied to study with Smiles Forever's dental hygienist school.
If Aracelly can't continue her two year dental hygienist study program, then she would have to live as a servant in her brother's household, caring for his children. Her education would abruptly stop and she would have no future, and the selfishness of her older sibling would stifle any other opportunities. She is so lucky and thankful to have the choice to study and looks forward to giving back to her indigenous community. She works part-time at a nearby bookstore & saves for dental school
These newly trained professionals are role models for other homeless, indigenous women and the community at large. Many of them seek higher education. When the mother is educated, she understands prevention in medical and dental arenas. She values education and makes sure all of her children, including daughters, also receive education. An educated woman is more likely to vote and become a significant voice in her community and government. When women are in government, corruption reduces by 50%.