Note to readers: Medical travel and volunteer travel (voluntourism) is fast becoming an important way to help those less fortunate, and it’s a program that is near to my heart. What better way to spread good health than by helping those less fortunate? The Nightwalker Children are a group of kids in Uganda who walk from town to town in the dark of night to avoid being trapped into a life of violence. Thanks to medical travel volunteers, these kids are cared for and put on the path to a healthier life…
The ‘nightwalker’ children in Northern Uganda travel from town to town in the middle of the night to avoid being abducted and forced into a life of violence. They sleep on dirt and their clothes are tattered. They are orphans seeking refuge from a life of constant running and torture. They haven’t had a good meal or a proper night’s sleep in years. In fact, most of them don’t know if they’re sick, infected, or carrying a virus. Most have never seen a doctor or, just as importantly, a dentist.
Uganda smiles!
But imagine a world without toothbrushes, bubblegum toothpaste, or mint-flavored floss. Imagine a mouth full of cavities and so painful that you aren’t able to properly chew your food. Imagine not having your teeth at all. It’s a familiar reality for children around the world, but thanks to volunteer efforts from our local dentists, underprivileged kids in impoverished countries—including the nightwalker children—are being treated to free cleanings, free supplies, and a new outlook on dental hygiene. Continue reading on Medical Travel Today…
I’ve watched documentaries on the night walker children and it is so upsetting. No children should have to live that way and endure such a difficult life. If anything, it should make us all feel very fortunate to have a roof over our heads.
I traveled to Mexico two summers in a row for a volunteer program to help build homes for impoverished families. We were in the slums, where nobody had shoes, let alone toothbrushes. It was very difficult, but it also made me greatly appreciate everything I have — even the small things like toothbrushes.