Food For The Poor (Guy) Inc. organized a successful Bright Smile, Bright Future campaign at Baramita Primary School in Region 1 on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
The campaign aimed to promote oral hygiene among the students and address the lack of basic necessities in terms of their oral health.
During the campaign, a total of sixty (60) oral hygiene kits were distributed to the students. Each kit includes essential items such as a large tube of toothpaste, two toothbrushes with cases, a face cloth, and a brochure. Additionally, Mr. Ameer Ally, a dental technician, delivered an informative talk to the grade 5 and 6 students, emphasizing the importance of oral hygiene.
Mr. Orin Nelson, the Project Associate of FFTP (Guy) Inc., highlighted the need for this campaign. He stated that a needs assessment conducted in the area revealed that many children, especially those from low-income families, residing in the hinterland or belonging to indigenous communities, were more susceptible to cavities compared to children from higher-income families. Moreover, dental care services were not easily accessible to children in Guyana’s hinterland. Therefore, this project aimed to raise awareness about oral health and preventive care among the younger generation, empowering them to take charge of their dental health and maintain bright smiles. Mr. Nelson emphasized the importance of collective efforts in preventing oral health issues and enhancing the overall childhood experiences of these children.
Dental Technician Mr. Ameer Ally further engaged with the students, providing additional information related to oral health and answering their questions. He noted that good oral health is an important aspect of overall health. He emphasized the importance of children brushing their teeth thoroughly, covering all surfaces, including the top, bottom, inside, outside, and tongue. The children were also encouraged to brush their teeth twice a day, limit sugary snacks, floss their teeth, and visit the dentist twice a year.
Headmistress of Baramita Primary School, Ms. Audrey Massiah, expressed her gratitude to FFTP (Guy) Inc. for organizing such a beneficial campaign for the students. “On behalf of Baramita Primary School, I would like to express our gratitude to FFTP (Guy) Inc. Our students in grades 4, 5, and 6 will greatly benefit from both the kits and the oral health talk.” I know that what they have learned today will benefit them in the future, and they will be able to share it with their friends and family. I must say thank you to FFTP (Guy) Inc. I am extremely happy and I look forward to more continued partnerships in the future.
The Bright Smile, Bright Future campaign in Baramita, Region 1, aimed to support oral hygiene among children and increase awareness about the significance of preventive care. FFTP (Guy) Inc. extends its heartfelt appreciation to all the sponsors, especially those who contributed through cash or kind donations. With their generous support, the organization was able to make a positive impact on the lives of children in the hinterland region. FFTP (Guy) Inc. looks forward to continued support from these sponsors in their future endeavors.
Baramita, is a community in the Barima-Waini region of northern Guyana, standing about 20 miles west of Matthew’s Ridge, at an altitude of 99 meters (328 feet). It is inhabited by the Carib people and the village council is responsible for 22 satellite villages as well. It is the largest indigenous settlement in Guyana.
Food for the Poor (Guyana) Incorporated (FFP), is the largest charitable Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Guyana. The work of FFTP Guyana is restricted to charitable purposes within the ten (10) Administrative Regions of Guyana. The organization has grown tremendously over the 32 years and has become the largest charitable organization in Guyana. The organization operates under the theme: Transforming Communities, Renewing Hope, and Saving Lives. One of the major activities of the organization is the Distribution/Outreach Program. Items such as food, clothing, footwear and personal care items, to name a few are distributed to the poor and needy throughout the ten regions of Guyana. Medical equipment and supplies are also distributed to the Ministry of Health, Public Hospitals and Health Centre’s across the country. Schools also benefit from school furniture, books, teaching aids and stationery.