The Charity Foundation For a Smile in Africa (Por una sonrisa en África) concentrates its efforts on different settlements in Senegal with the aim of collaborating in the sustainable and non-traumatic development of the area. From the beginning of its activity in 2002, projects of schooling, public health and development have been the main focus of its efforts. 

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From the beginning in 2002, the fundation discusses the necessity to build a primary school in Mbackombel, since the children from the area did not have the opportunity to study. Little by little, the classrooms got built and currently they are functioning to their full potential.The school consists of two classrooms for infants, six for primary school children, an IT room/library, an office for the principal and the teachers, a shed/canteen, toilets and a closed courtyard 360 children from different nearby villages attend the classes regularly.The Foundation finances the salaries of 16 persons as well as the school equipment. Currently the school of Mbackombel is considered for its results as a point of reference according to the Inspectorate of Education of the province

 

Upon request of the inhabitants of the region and seeing the lack of health care, the Foundation decided in 2004 to build the dispensary (first aid centre) and two rooms for the volunteers. It was opened in August 2005. In 2014, there have been on average 290 medical consultations a month, including campaigns of vaccination, supplying anti-parasite drugs, as well as the two annual campaigns of supplying vitamin A to children under the age of 6. In 2006, the fundation was granted help from the “Fundación Ordesa”, which financed the construction of the Maternity centre.

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The opening of the centre took place in January 2008.The Spanish association “Mujer y Madre” (Woman and Mother) helped to equip the maternity centre, and since 2006 has been providing it with sanitary materials and medicine. Currently (September 2014) there are on average 100 medical consultations and 20 births a month.The health care volunteers that offer their help are many. The Foundation, apart from purchasing the medicine and monitoring the functioning, maintains these facilities in which 9 native persons work.

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