All smiles at Yenzani Children’s Home

A total of 12 children from the home all received free dental screening and procedures on 16 July, and the hallway of the clinic was filled with excited chatter as the children went into their respective dentist’s room in pairs or groups of three.

Dr Kiashen Naicker spoke for the trio of dentists and said, “This is our first community outreach project. We will be doing this every six months.” He also said the 12 young patients were now their patients and all upcoming, necessary procedures would be done for free.

“We also have free goodie bags for them to enjoy. Inside there’s a dental care kit, a toy and an apple,” he said. He joked that they picked fruit for the goodie bags over sweets, as sweets would contradict their message of healthy teeth.

As for the children, they unwrapped their gifts as soon as they received them. Their guardian, Jacob Mphiwe, said he appreciated the work and message. “If you ask the children about oral hygiene, they have no understanding of what it is, other than brushing their teeth.”

Naicker said they would also be teaching the children how to brush correctly and the importance of taking care of their teeth.

Thabang Mokoena, an 18-year-old who has lived with his twin brother Thabo at the home for five years, said he appreciates living at Yenzani because their caregivers cared about them holistically.

“Our lives have changed for the better since we’ve been at Yenzani Children’s Home,” said Thabang.

“It’s a great place, they are supportive,” agreed Thabo.

The two boys, who are Grade 11 students at Midrand High School, also received dental screening. “We are grateful for what the dentists have decided to do for us, it’s a good thing, as we care about our health,” said the young men.

How did you use your talents on Nelson Mandela Day? Share your pictures with @MidrandReporter on Twitter