Goma, 13 May 2010 - Community services provided by the Don Bosco center in Goma have been strengthened this month by the addition of a dental care station supported by MONUC's Uruguayan battalion stationed in the town.

The Don Bosco centre includes a primary school attended by some 1300 children aged between 6 and 12 and an orphanage for about 40 others. In addition to schooling the centre provides vocational training in blacksmithing, carpentry and tailoring and a medical clinic for the children and members of the surrounding community.

The Uruguayans have extended the services offered at the Don Bosco medical clinic by providing a Dentist every Thursday. A recent survey of 145 children showed that the main oral hygiene concern is the buildup of tartar on children's teeth. To counter that, the Uruguayan contingent is now also providing toothbrushes and educational brochures on dental care.

"With this activity our battalion has been able to strengthen its links with the local population and improve the quality of life," said Lt. Col. Bilbao, Chief of Staff of the Uruguayan Battalion whose many responsibilities include public outreach and civilian affairs. "We believe it is important to support the population not only when disasters strike, but also when our help is requested."