Project Sonrisa- Nicaragua

My name is Anthony Kozuch and I am 12 years old. I live in Arlington, Virginia and am in the 7th grade at Saint Agnes Catholic School. I started Project Sonrisa, which means Project Smile in Spanish, to raise money for dental supplies for the Centro Santa Teresa de Jesús school in Los Cocos, 15 miles north of Granada, Nicaragua. My grandfather, originally from Granada, shared with me how the families live on $3 a day and don't even have potable water. The children are exposed to sicknesses and face malnutrition even though the school is able to feed them breakfast and lunch three times a week. The 330 children from 4 nearby rural communities attend this school (the only one in the area).  Donations cover the $25 annual cost to educate each student. In this area of extreme poverty, these children have no access to dental care and the school can't afford toothbrushes and other basic dental supplies. Since good dental health has such a big impact on good overall health, it's important to help these children with basic oral care.

My dentist always reminds me that good dental health is the first line of defense against dental diseases. However, proper dental care does not only prevent cavities and gum disease. Studies have also shown that poor oral health can lead to inflammation, heart disease, and even cancer later in life.
 
The money raised through Project Sonrisa will fund the purchase of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss. The first set of dental supplies will be delivered to Nicaragua and donated to the school this Summer. The goal of this project is to help provide supplies during the year as funds are raised.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month. Please consider helping the children of Centro Santa Teresa de Jesús have brighter smiles and brighter futures with your donation today to Project Sonrisa!