Dentists for Africa is a non-profit organisation and relies on donations.
Healing teeth, touching hearts – together we give new courage.
You can make a difference today. Support our projects in Kenya now.
25 Years Dentist for Africa
Dentists for Africa celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024
What began in 1999 with sustainable dental care has grown into a sponsorship and widow support project with a holistic approach and lasting impact. This has been made possible by the support and commitment of our volunteers, our local partners, and our many supporters in Germany.
Immerse yourself in the history of Dentists for Africa.
Dr Hans-Joachim Schinkel founded Dentists for Africa in 1999 and served as its first chairman for over 26 years. He laid the foundation for today’s projects in the fields of dentistry, education and social projects and played a key role in shaping them for many years. In 2018, he was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for his humanitarian work.
How it all began
More than one million people in western Kenya have already gained access to dental treatment through Dentists for Africa, enabling them to lay the foundations for a self-determined future or build a livelihood for themselves through school and training support.
How did the organisation come to be founded 25 years ago?
Dr Hans-Joachim Schinkel, founder and first chairman, and Sister Dorothee, Franciscan nun and partner from the very beginning, recall how the first step was taken that changed everything.
Dentist Dr Hans-Joachim Schinkel and his colleagues found the association ‘Arzt- und Zahnarzthilfe Kenya e.V.’ (Medical and Dental Aid Kenya), which is renamed Dentists for Africa in 2008. Their goal: to provide dental care to Kenya’s impoverished population. A Franciscan order has been a project partner from the very beginning.
German dentists, dental technicians and dental assistants examine and treat patients in western Kenya. Dental technician Torsten Rauch trains local medical engineers in the use of the technology. Dr Hans-Joachim Schinkel holds initial training courses on dental topics for dental clinic staff.
A container with materials arrives in Nyabondo, West Kenya. Dr Schinkel and dental technician Torsten Rauch set up the first dental clinic at Nyabondo Hospital.
In western Kenya, a region particularly affected by HIV, the number of orphans is very high. Most of them live with relatives who often cannot afford school fees. The project supports (half-)orphans with scholarships for school education.
Opening of additional dental clinics: The dental clinic and dental laboratory at Kasarani Hospital in Nairobi are opened, with 12 more dental clinics to follow in the coming years. Torsten Rauch trains medical engineers in the use of the technology.
Registration of the widows’ cooperative: Around 30 widows join together to form a self-help group and register officially as such.
On land purchased specifically for this purpose in Nyabondo, the women are constructing buildings for the new widow village – a meeting hall, three houses for rent and two office buildings. From 2015 onwards, the sponsorship office will also be based here.
In the cooperative’s own nursery school, the widows employ two of the women as nursery school teachers while their mothers are able to pursue gainful employment.
Sr. Sunya completes her dental studies as the first DfA scholarship recipient. Graduate Sr. Fabian takes over responsibility for the dental project for several years. And: Opening of the central store for dental spare parts in Kisii.
Establishment of DfA Kenya and subsequent official registration as a trust.
Dr Hans-Joachim Schinkel receives the Federal Cross of Merit on behalf of all outstanding voluntary work for DfA.
DfA and partners are building St. Michael’s Preparatory and Orphanage School in Koliech/Homabay County.
The widows successfully run a catering service, a tailor’s shop, a library, a chicken farm and an apiary. A well will be built in 2019.
Construction of five boarding school buildings in Koliech in cooperation with the Aumund Foundation. From 2025, 148 pupils will be able to live and learn here.
With 315 patients treated in one day, the largest dental camp Dentists for Africa has ever organised is taking place near Asumbi.
25 years at a glance
- about 10 million euros in donations received
- 14 dental clinics established
- more than 1 million patients
- more than 1000 dental field missions
- 950 volunteers
- 661 members, sponsors and supporters
- 1,247 children supported, giving them a future with prospects
- 650 widows in the St. Monica Village widows’ cooperative, who can now lead independent lives. Their income supports around 2,600 family members.
- 360–400 children were able to attend the cooperative’s own kindergarten.
- 60 widows got their land back after attending seminars on land rights and being referred to legal counsel
- 29 sponsored children are supported by the Educational Fund of former sponsored children
- 11 former sponsored children work in DfA projects
Sustainability
0
Former sponsored children are currently working directly in projects or dental clinics run by Dentists for Africa. Many have chosen careers in dentistry or medicine – including Community Oral Health Officer Benard Omondi (pictured) – thereby supporting the association’s founding principle of improving local medical care.
0
Orphans are supported through the Educational Fund, into which former sponsored children pay and in turn support children in need themselves.
Success stories
The man who makes dreams come true
Even as a child, Christophory wanted to become an engineer.
Nurse: A passion for helping others
Nelly’s training is supported by the Educational Fund.
Becoming a dentist was ‘God’s plan’
Sr. Mary Fabian belongs to the Franciscan Sisters of St Joseph. She became a dentist with the support of Dentists for Africa.
Together against expropriation and abuse
The women of the St. Monica Village widows’ cooperative embody a modern image of womanhood.
From godchild to board member
Nicholas Koech has a long and moving history with Dentists for Africa, which began in his childhood and took some unexpected turns.
Cooperation as the key to success
From the outset, Dentists for Africa has been working with Franciscan sisters in Kenya. ‘They were already the cornerstone of the dental project when it was founded, and after our initial experiences, we were certain that with them as partners, we would be successful,’ explains Dr. Schinkel. The advantage is that the sisters are well trained, work in a structured manner and are reliable as a community, regardless of who is involved.
Dentists for Africa is registered as a trust in Kenya. This means that the organisation is officially recognised, and the Franciscan Sisters’ cooperation with the authorities works well on this basis.
Setting processes in motion remains the goal
Interview on 25 years of Dentists for Africa
How did Dentists for Africa come to be founded? What values does the organisation represent, and how have its projects and perspectives changed over more than 25 years? Dr Hans-Joachim Schinkel talks to Anne-Kristin Henker and Clara Wiest about what makes Dentists for Africa special.
