Mukuru Oral Health Project
Lead: Kenya National Commission UNESCO and Global Maternal and Child Oral Health Center
Timeline: 2025-2026
Funding needed: $50,000
Empowering Teachers, Transforming Communities: Oral Health Education with Digital Tools in Kenya
In the heart of Nairobi's Mukuru informal settlement, where nearly half of Kenya's five-year-olds suffer from dental caries, a groundbreaking initiative is taking root. Through a collaboration between Seoul National University's Global Maternal and Child Oral Health Center and Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM), we're pioneering an innovative approach to oral health education that combines WHO guidelines with digital tools, including generative AI.
The Challenge
Mukuru's densely populated community faces significant health disparities, with limited access to dental services and oral health education. Despite Kenya's 2018 School Health Policy emphasizing oral health as "an integral part of general body health," many schools lack the resources and trained personnel to deliver effective oral health programs.
Our Solution
We're training 30 primary school teachers from 7 schools in Mukuru to become oral health educators, ultimately reaching approximately 300 students. What makes this project unique is our integration of UNESCO's AI Competency Framework for Teachers with established WHO oral health modules. Teachers will learn to create contextually appropriate oral health educational materials using digital tools, making learning more engaging and effective for their students.
The Ripple Effect
This isn't just about teaching proper brushing techniques—though that's crucial. We're creating a sustainable model where teachers become health advocates, students become child agents for chage, and families adopt healthier practices. By addressing oral health in schools, we're tackling broader issues of nutrition, self-esteem, and overall wellness.
Beyond Mukuru
Results will be shared through UNESCO's Associated Schools Network, connecting 12,000 schools across 182 countries. This pilot project in Mukuru could become a blueprint for oral health education in underserved communities worldwide.
When teachers are empowered with knowledge and innovative tools, they don't just educate—they transform entire communities, one smile at a time.