70% of the children UBECI works with have cavities because they haven't been educated about the importance of proper dental care. UBECI staff and volunteers will provide 250 children with essential tools for basic hygiene such as: toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and soap. UBECI will collaborate with a local dentist who will evaluate and provide dental care such as filling cavities, extractions, thorough teeth cleanings, and other dental procedures.
Due to parents' lack of adequate wages, children as young as three years old are often required to spend up to twelve hours a day in a market stall doing chores. These children live well below the poverty line, do not attend school, and have poor health and nutrition. During the months of July and August, UBECI is providing 250 children with: dental education, an introduction to teeth cleaning skills, and funding procedures for children with severe dental complications.
Our staff members and volunteers will introduce and teach all 250 children how to use toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and soap. We are also working with local dentists who will provide dental evaluations and procedures for children who require cavity repair, teeth extraction, teeth cleaning and other necessary dental operations.
Each year, UBECI works with over 600 children, and two thirds will attend school, many for the first time, as a result of strategies developed by UBECI. By having our staff and volunteers in the markets, children can get help before and after school, thus assuring a lower dropout rate. Education, self-confidence and new opportunities for these children will break the chain of poverty ; thus increasing productivity and opportunites for the Ecuadorian youth.
