Dentist’s vision changes lives of disabled children
Co-founder and public face of the trust, Dr Shoukat Waja said the journey started 20 years ago when he and then partner, Dr Moshena Mall, began their own dental outreach for disabled children.
OVER 650 mentally and physically disabled children from Soweto, Lenasia, Eldorado Park, Orange Farm and Westdene gathered at Mac’s Farm, Eikenhof for the annual Dental Day with a difference on August 30.
The day was hosted by Waja Ka Meno Trust which was started by local dentists and philanthropists with the aim of providing free maxillofacial surgery, reconstructive dental surgery and general dental care to disabled and vulnerable children.
Songs, dance, circus acts and motivation were the order of the day as children from different schools presented their rehearsed work to the boisterous audience.
Co-founder and public face of the trust, Dr Shoukat Waja said the journey started 20 years ago when he and then partner, Dr Moshena Mall, began their own dental outreach for disabled children. He recalled themselves doing silly dances in teeth-suits on school stages and giving away toothbrushes.
Though it was a humble beginning, their passion and enthusiasm eventually attracted like-minded souls from the medical profession and corporate sponsors like Spur, Southgate Mall, Colgate and Dischem. The work of the volunteers and the trust has this year received a Service Excellence Award from the Department of Education.
“After the treatment, each learner gets a pack with toys, toothbrush and toothpaste, sanitary towels, stationery and school shoes. We also take care of them when they visit our surgeries for dental treatments. As we know, these learners need special care. We help their parents in this regard. That is why they look forward to the Dental Day all year.
“We go out of our way to entertain them and shower them with goodies. It is wonderful to see their joy and self-confidence grow in front of your eyes. We aim to host a Dental Day in every city, town and rural village in South Africa eventually, so disabled children across the country can get access to the help they need,” concluded Dr Waja.
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