Chomim Primary School
Chomim Primary School is located within the Mokong Division of the Nandi Hills estates in Western Kenya. There is a significant need for educational and lifestyle resources that could benefit the children in rural areas such as Chomim. The primary school holds classes for 1st graders through 8th graders with a total of 377 students. With no running water, electricity, lack of funding for teacher salaries, and transportation issues, attendance at full capacity is a struggle. The syllabi heavily concentrates on agricultural studies - as most of the students will continue to live off their tribal land in their villages. Literacy in these rural villages continues to be an area for improvement, with most children struggling to even begin secondary education. Additionally access to health care is a continuing battle. The closest dispensary is about 7 miles by foot! Majority of the children had never been for a dental visit.
When I drove up to Chomim primary school (a treacherous journey!!!) I was greeted by many little smiling faces. The warmth I was received with was touching, to say the least. I was accompanied by one of the tribal leaders of the area, as well as the vice principal, and the manager of New Home Orphanage in Kisumu Mr. Ezeikel. Everyone lined up according to their grades, with the help of the teachers and school prefects. The discipline that these beautiful children had was something worth learning from!!!
Due to technological restrictions as well as language barriers (Kalenjin is the primary language), we embarked upon the assembly with a song! Song and dance is a fail-proof way of engaging children across cultural and ethnic barriers :). First, they were taught why they need to brush and floss twice daily- see the videos. Second, they were taught the importance of good nutrition and diet. Third (which was the fun part) was a review of basics in oral health- we covered this through a question- answer trivia session. The curiosity and inquisition was phenomenal. Hands were going up, and everyone was eager to answer a question or two - either that or they wanted to win some prizes :). A lunch was served, and goody bags were handed out to all the students. The contents of each goody bag included: 1 toothbrush, 1 toothpaste, floss, oral health games (mazes, word puzzles), a book, pencil, crayons. After that, we were taken on a tour of the school. I have never seen anyone more appreciative of a goody bag as they were. I received many many many hugs.
I hope to continue to support rural education programs, both faculty and students alike. My hope is that I will be back to visit the school on my next trip to Africa. This time I would like to take a few hygienists with me as well as dentists and a mobile clinic - If you can render your time and resources, feel free to contact us. There remains so much more work we can do to help promote their oral hygiene.
When I drove up to Chomim primary school (a treacherous journey!!!) I was greeted by many little smiling faces. The warmth I was received with was touching, to say the least. I was accompanied by one of the tribal leaders of the area, as well as the vice principal, and the manager of New Home Orphanage in Kisumu Mr. Ezeikel. Everyone lined up according to their grades, with the help of the teachers and school prefects. The discipline that these beautiful children had was something worth learning from!!!
Due to technological restrictions as well as language barriers (Kalenjin is the primary language), we embarked upon the assembly with a song! Song and dance is a fail-proof way of engaging children across cultural and ethnic barriers :). First, they were taught why they need to brush and floss twice daily- see the videos. Second, they were taught the importance of good nutrition and diet. Third (which was the fun part) was a review of basics in oral health- we covered this through a question- answer trivia session. The curiosity and inquisition was phenomenal. Hands were going up, and everyone was eager to answer a question or two - either that or they wanted to win some prizes :). A lunch was served, and goody bags were handed out to all the students. The contents of each goody bag included: 1 toothbrush, 1 toothpaste, floss, oral health games (mazes, word puzzles), a book, pencil, crayons. After that, we were taken on a tour of the school. I have never seen anyone more appreciative of a goody bag as they were. I received many many many hugs.
I hope to continue to support rural education programs, both faculty and students alike. My hope is that I will be back to visit the school on my next trip to Africa. This time I would like to take a few hygienists with me as well as dentists and a mobile clinic - If you can render your time and resources, feel free to contact us. There remains so much more work we can do to help promote their oral hygiene.
