On the 6th Day of Christmas, My Sponsor Gave to Me…

Six Dental Fillings

The dentist. Eek. Just the thought of it instills sheer terror in me. The sound of dental tools scraping the plaque off my teeth is like fingernails running down a chalkboard. It literally sends chills down my spine.

Needless to say, visiting the dentist is one of my least favorite chores. But it’s something I take for granted. I have the luxury of pulling out my insurance card to receive regular dental cleanings and keep my teeth healthy. I don’t think twice about it.

But I should. Because so many others around the world aren’t as fortunate as I am. Some families literally live each and every day uncertain of what the next will bring. Will they be able to find any work for the day? Will they earn enough to buy food to feed their children? Can they afford to take their daughter to the doctor if she gets sick?

Families facing extreme poverty can’t afford to purchase toothbrushes and toothpaste. They might even struggle to access clean running water needed to rinse out their mouths. They often don’t understand the importance of keeping their teeth clean because they’ve never had the luxury of visiting a dentist. Some children have never even been to a doctor.

Something as small as a toothbrush can make a big impact on a child’s health.

Children International recognizes the impact of oral hygiene on health, and we provide dental care to a number of impoverished children in our program. Our community centers with dental clinics are kid-friendly environments, with age-appropriate educational materials. We help make it possible for children to receive hygiene supplies like toothbrushes. And we teach families how to brush their teeth.

Given my own fear of the dentist, I’m always surprised to meet sponsored children who actually look forward to their dental checkups. Even if they need six fillings or extractions, they appreciate the care and attention they receive. They know if it weren’t for Children International and their sponsors, their teeth might go unbrushed and their toothaches untreated.

Visiting the dentist might not be quite as good as opening a gift come Christmas morning. But for impoverished children, it’s definitely more of a treat than a chore. Now if only I could learn to appreciate the dentist as much as they do….

Posted on behalf of Erin Anderson. Photo by Joel Abelinde of our Manila, Philippines, agency.

Creating Independence

Today, all across the United States, flags are flying, bands are playing and fireworks are noisily celebrating the day our country declared itself free and independent. Thanks to the sacrifices – sometimes even of their own blood – our forefathers made, we enjoy the freedom to live, work and worship according to our own consciences.

But millions around the world still live under the iron fist of a pervasive, cruel tyrant…known as poverty. Each day is another test of endurance…another struggle to just stay alive.

But thanks to the kindness and generosity of people like you – our Children International sponsors – progress is being made. Destinies are being changed and the victims of poverty are being shown a more hopeful future…one life at a time.

Sponsorship is far more than simply handing out material goods. An integral part of sponsorship is teaching children and families to become self-sufficient. Through basic benefits like health and dental care, educational assistance, nutritional support, vocational training and micro-enterprise loans to deserving children and their families, the Children International sponsorship program is bringing change to individual families and, in some cases, entire communities.

Watch the video below to see how the power of sponsorship helped one family get the upper hand in their own private battle against poverty.

Health in Colombia

Posted on Behalf of Marelvis Campo

HEALTH CAMPAIGN BENEFITS 240 CHILDREN IN SANTA ROSA DE LIMA
Medical and dental appointments and preventive talks were given to the community of Santa Rosa de Lima to help minimize the health problems.

Children International–Colombia initiated a medical mission that was held in collaboration with TCC Colombia. TCC’s state-of-the-art mobile medical station came with four doctors and two dentists from the Universidad of Cartagena and Rafael Nuñez. They gave free care to 240 children over a two-day period.


The medical mission took place at the area where Children International’s Service Center #5 is being built. Children attended with their parents. Patients were seen in an organized way. If medications were prescribed they received them on the spot.


This activity was very important for the municipality of Santa Rosa de Lima, as this community lacks medical services. The closest medical and dental care is located in other towns that are half an hour away from Santa Rosa de Lima.

Parents of sponsored children expressed their gratitude. "This service was excellent; we are happy that our children are part of Children International because we know that every time they get sick we can take them to the doctor," says Mrs. Grisela Altamar Barrios, mother of sponsored child Edy.


There were also preventive talks to minimize the presence of common illnesses for the children of Santa Rosa de Lima. Information was distributed about the flu, respiratory illnesses, malnutrition and nutritional anemia, which are especially prevalent in the rainy season.

Marelvis Campo is Children International's communications coordinator in Cartagena, Colombia.