embassy highlights

School Children Learn about Dental Hygiene under USAID-Funded Program

November 26, 2007

School children show off their kits at the end of the training session...

With USAID funding under the LEAD (Lebanon Education Assistance for Development) program, dental hygiene awareness sessions were held in Chouf, targeting 190 public school students from two public schools. Teachers and health educators from both schools also attended the session, which were conducted in partnership with four dentists from Universite Saint Joseph (USJ). The sessions covered the following topics: the types of healthy foods, the foods that most damage the teeth, how to brush the teeth daily, the development of the teeth and the gum, the importance of fluoride and the measures to prevent cavities. During the sessions, dental hygiene kits – including a toothbrush and toothpaste – as well as educational flyers were distributed to the students.

USAID awarded $9.4 million to two organizations – International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and Cooperative Housing Foundation (CHF) – to carry out the school rehabilitation project. Schools in economically disadvantaged areas will receive special attention. Through LEAD, the United States will fund 1) repairs to school infrastructure to enhance the physical capabilities of public schools; 2) school equipment such as laboratory equipment, supplies and books; 3) awareness programs on health, nutrition and social awareness for a better learning environment; and 4) extracurricular activities to enhance the skills and learning experiences of students.