EVENT OVERVIEW
On July 9, 2022, the Aguike Foundation conducted a dental outreach at St. Bridget’s Parish, Ugwuafor Akpugo, targeting approximately 150 primary school pupils. The goal was to educate them on the importance of dental hygiene and the consequences of neglecting it.
Moderators:
- Rev. Fr. Nwankwo Michael
- Kosisochukwu Ifeoma (final-year medical student)
- Madukaife Lydia C (fourth-year medical laboratory student)
- Ozoafa Benedicta Chinaza (first-year nursing student)
- Idoko Chinwendu (third-year medical rehabilitation student)
- Ugboma Chiamaka Anita (final-year student of food science and technology)
The team arriving at 10:12 AM to a warm welcome from the parish priest, children, and women of the community.
PROGRAM ACTIVITY
The program began with an opening prayer led by Rev. Fr. Nwankwo Michael, followed by team introductions. A brief talk about the NGO preceded the first speaker, Madukaife Lydia, who commenced her presentation at 11:20 AM.
First Speaker: Madukaife Lydia discussed the causes of tooth decay, including germs, chocolates, sugary drinks, hot foods, ice blocks, and excessive sugar consumption. She explained that adults have 32 teeth, while children have 20, and highlighted the role of “cavity bugs” like sugar in causing cavities. She emphasized the importance of brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay.
Second Speaker: Kosisochukwu Kosisochukwu began her talk at 11:50 AM, focusing on oral hygiene as a preventive measure for healthy teeth and gums. She explained how good oral hygiene prevents issues like cavities, plaque, gingivitis, and oral cysts and how poor dental hygiene can lead to systemic problems such as bacterial pneumonia and cardiovascular diseases. She encouraged a regular dental routine of brushing in the morning and at night.
Interactive Sessions: Following the talks, the parish priest led the children in a brief stretching exercise before starting a spelling ‘B’ competition. Winners from each grade level were awarded small prizes:
- Primary 2: Ikechukwu Chijindu
- Primary 3 and 4: Ani Chiemerie (Primary 4)
- Primary 5 and 6: Okenwa Chiemeria Rosemary (Primary 6)
Scholarship details for two pupils were explained and handed over to the parish priest. The event also featured performances and dances by the children and their parents.
Special Address: Rev. Fr. Agu Ikechukwu, the founder of the NGO, addressed the attendees via WhatsApp video call, as he was abroad.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Ide Clinton Okwudili and his wife arrived at 2:24 PM. Dr. Ide briefly discussed dental hygiene and cautioned against consuming fluoride in toothpaste, which is a poisonous chemical. He demonstrated proper handwashing techniques and rewarded pupils who answered his questions correctly with cash gifts.
Conclusion
The outreach concluded with a round of thanks to all contributors, including Rev. Fr. Agu Ikechukwu, Rev. Fr. Nwankwo Michael, the parish priest, Dr. Ide Clinton Okwudili, the school management, the team, the pupils, their parents and the NGO members for their selfless efforts. A video message from Rev. Fr. Agu Ikechukwu expressing his gratitude was played, bringing joy to the pupils and those present.
Toothbrushes and toothpaste were distributed, and group photos were taken. The team departed at 4:30 PM, grateful for a successful outreach.
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