BY: Mpofu Sthandile.
The Clicks Helping Hand Trust has partnered with Colgate to donate 1 350 sets of toothbrushes and toothpaste as well as educational materials to learners at Siyabulela Primary School in Langa, Cape Town.
This forms part of the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures programme, which aims to provide oral health education and products to 200 000 children in South Africa in 2023.
According to the World Health Organisation, 41% of children under the age of nine in South Africa have untreated tooth decay and nearly 25% of teenagers have severe gum disease. This is especially prevalent in lower income communities who have limited access to oral hygiene products and services.
During the event, learners had fun being taught the importance of practicing good oral hygiene and having regular dental checks, how to brush their teeth correctly and which foods to eat for healthy teeth and gums.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to receive this donation. The impact that it has on the school and surrounding community is immeasurable. Many of our students don’t have access to basic dental care and have little knowledge of good oral health practices. This donation is a pivotal starting point in amending the issue,” says the headmistress of Siyabulela Primary School, Nomsa Shosa.
“The Clicks Helping Hand Trust is delighted to partner with Colgate on the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures programme. As a healthcare retailer, we are committed to building a healthy, proactive nation through preventative health care interventions,” says Gwarega Mangozhe, Head of Corporate Affairs for the Clicks Group. “Thank you to everyone who gave of their time today to make such an important difference to the wellbeing of our future generations.”
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