Señor Diente y Más!

My work at the clinic has gotten much more interesting and rewarding over the past few weeks. School started in February and classes started coming to the clinic 2 weeks ago. Each day (Monday through Thursday) we see one class, which can be anywhere from 30 to 50 students. The class is divided in half and while one half of the class sees the doctor and dentist, the other half of the class hangs out with me and other health educators while we teach them about nutrition, hygiene and if they are really lucky (5th and 6th graders) they get to learn about puberty! Soon I will start traveling to the schools to teach classes on additional topics.

Health Education Classes Begin!

This is me teaching a 4th grade class about how to properly brush their teeth. The boy is Señor Diente (Mr. Tooth) and the girl is brushing him using broom. As she brushes him, all the plaque comes of his little tooth body (masking tape in this case).

Señor Diente checking out some teeth that did not have such good fortune as he. ¡Guacala! Gross!
Carlos (health education director) helps the students wash their hands before snack

... and emphasizes the importance of water conservation

Marissa (another health educator) teaches the 4th graders about nutrition

More 4th graders at the clinic! So far the clinic has seen four 6th grade classes and four 5th grade classes. We are going down in age as the days continue. Can`t wait for the little párvulos, (kindergarteners)!

Carlos teaching a nutrition class. Carlos lives in Salcajá, the town I visited a couple weekends ago (see photos from previous post). He is also the clinic´s psychologist.

The Women´s Program at Primeros Pasos

I am not directly involved with the women´s program but I had the opportunity to attend an open house at the clinic a few weeks ago, for women from all 10 communities. It was a wonderful afternoon of getting to know each other, playing games (to evaluate their knowledge of nutrition and hygeine) and snacking, of course! The women were so eager to be invovled in the program and so appreciative of the services of the clinic. It was wonderful to see them all taking the time out of their busy schedules to participate in such a positive program.

Miriam (director of the women`s program) welcomes everyone. She is an amazing youg woman with a baby of her own. She travels over an hour by bus to work with the clinic.



Nutrition Jeopardy!

Miriam and Elizabeth (Miriam`s assistant,UVA grad, also amazing!)