|
More on The dZi Foundation/
Himalayan Dental Relief Project
One of the strengths of the dZi Foundation has been its ability to partner with other small non-profit organizations. Together, the respective strengths of each individual organization are used to further both visions. This partnering has allowed the foundation to serve far more, with expanded services, and expertise outside of our established areas. Through this partnership, the dZi Foundation with the HDRP, has established dental projects in Sikkim and Ladakh working with friends and staff in both of these regions, bringing preventative dental care to thousands of children.
The partnership of dZi and HDRP was initiated in the family room of The Friendship House -- our girl’s home in Kathmandu, Nepal -- in the spring of 2002. After the initial clinic at The Friendship House, we started to set our sights higher and farther away.
In the spring of 2003 dZi funded and coordinated the first Sikkim (India) dental clinic. We used the living room of our girl’s home, The Sikkim Happiness Home, for the dental clinic. During this clinic we were able to treat 460 children in 7 days, providing $126,740.00 of dental care.
In fall of 2004, we expanded to Ladakh (India) and held a clinic hosted by The Lions Club of Leh International, Youth Hostel. We have subsequently created a partnership between the HDRP and the Lions Club to help coordinate these clinics. The ability to have involvement of local partners in these areas is essential. When we return to Ladakh the Lions Club International of Leh already knows how to set up the operation. They will have the facility and generators ready for our arrival. The children needing treatment will be organized with appointments on specific days and times allowing the clinics to progress smoothly and efficiently. Thus allowing us to treat more needy children with care giving them the opportunity for better lives. The dZi/HDRP treated 998 children in 2004 with clinics in Ladakh and Kathmandu, providing $239,776.00 in dental care.
In 2005, the dZi increased its commitment to the HDRP funding 4 clinic sites: a spring and fall clinic in Ladakh, with the Lions Club of Leh International, and the same in Kathmandu, Nepal. 2092 children received primary examinations or follow-up visits from our 2004 clinics. The partnership provided $427,216.00 in dental care.
In 2006, the dZi again increased its financial support of the HDRP with spring and fall clinics in Ladakh and Katmandu. We provided over $1,038,542 worth of dental care,and served over 4628 children – ALL AT NO COST TO THE RECIPIENTS OF CARE.
So far in 2007, we provided over $1,507,000 worth of dental care, to 7006 patients, with the spring clinics in Ladakh and Katmandu. Patients from the following groups were served: Lion's Club Hostel, Ladakh Public School, Bal Ashram Home, New Milenium School, SBH School, Nubra Valley Residents, Prisoner Assistance Nepal, Tara Abbey Nuns, Shree Mangal DVIP Boarding High School, Rigong Montestery School, Pullahari School, and Child Haven Children's Home.
The dZi Foundation and Himalayan Dental Relief Project are always looking for volunteer Dentists, Hygienists and volunteers for our clinics, please contact us about this incredible opportunity. OR fill out our form and we'll contact you.
back to top |
