Aracely, now 20, was orphaned at 8. When Aracely turned 18, Smiles Forever took her into our "dormitory" and dental hygienist school. She is one of our star students and now needs help to continue with her 2nd year. This summer Aracely is enhancing her dental skills by assisting Erin Masterson, a PhD candidate in the Department of Epidemiology at the U. of W. So far Aracely has traveled to 11 villages to help collect data from the indigenous population of Bolivia's Amazonian basin.
Aracely, an orphan discarded by her family, wishes to pursue a life serving others in either the dental or related field. It is imperative that she completes her 2nd-year training to graduate as a RDH certified dental hygienist, because she will have to forge her own way in life. Aracely is special. This summer she was chosen to help with a dental enamel study in the villages of the Bolivian Amazonian basin. The Tsimane love her "charla" & call her "mono chichila" for her endless energy!
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%.
