ProjectSmile visits the OvaHimbas

Henriette Lamprecht
For the past four years, an initiative that focuses on oral hygiene has been pioneering work in communities across the country.
ProjectSmile is the brainchild of Marc van Niekerk from Namibia and Tiia Rantanen from Finland, and was launched in 2020 to boost oral hygiene practices in the country.
ProjectSmile has already visited several regions in the country, with Marc leading educational sessions at health facilities, orphanages and schools. Marc's latest visit was to the Kunene region where he provided valuable input and information about the project with needy communities from Opuwo to Epupa.
According to Marc, he was accompanied by a local interpreter during his visit and had a warm welcome among the OvaHimba community who were eager to learn more about the healthy practices.
Part of ProjectSmile's outreach program also includes posters that, in keeping with the core of Namibia's various cultures, also convey the message to the respective communities and encourage active involvement in the program.
"Thanks to the support of sponsors like Metro Cash and Carry, ProjectSmile can expand its reach and distribute essential dental supplies and also other related products to needy communities," says Marc. – [email protected]