St Francis College bring Dental Care to Talhado Children’s Haven

The children of Talhado Children’s Haven in Sea Vista were treated to a most unusual event on Thursday 12th November when local Dentist, Dr Michael Jones, arrived with Grade 6 learners from St Francis College to talk to them about dental health care.

The event was the brain child of the College’s Grade 6 learners and their history teacher Cathryn Hempel. “We are currently studying democracy, including children’s rights and their right to free health care, and with this in mind, the class raised enough money to purchase each child at the Haven a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. We’ve come here today to hand these to the children and to give them the opportunity to learn from Dr Jones on how to care for their teeth,” said Hempel.

St Francis College bring Dental Care to Talhado Chidren's Haven

Talhado Children’s Haven learner Robin-Lee Titus is delighted with her gift of a toothbrush with toothpaste from St Francis College Grade 6 learner Nicole Kaunda

“In addition, the Rotary Satellite Club of St Francis heard about the initiative and felt it was worthy of support with a donation of R1000.00 to boost the funds,” she added.

The children sat engrossed while Dr Jones demonstrated how to properly clean teeth and use dental floss first in Afrikaans and then with the help of a Xhosa translater, Grade 00 Xhosa Montessori teacher, Loreka Coetser. Both groups of children sang school songs for each other as well as the National anthem, but the highlight of the entertainment came when young Josh Robson who only the day before had won the St Francis College talent competition, gave a display of his skills with hula hoops!

St Francis College bring Dental Care to Talhado Chidren's Haven

Dr Michael Jones assisted by St Francis College Grade 6 teacher Cathryn Hempel demonstrates how teeth need to be cleaned

The morning’s fun ended with each child receiving a delicious cup cake before returning to class.

“All of us at the Haven would like to give a big thank you to St Francis College Grade 6, Mrs Hempel and to Dr Jones for giving up his time to come and talk about this very important subject to our young learners. Hopefully they will all remember this day for a long time to come,” said Lesley Moore, Haven administrator.

Article by Lynette Aitken

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