University of San Martín De Porres Dentistry

Bright Spots: Children’s Health and Cavity Prevention

Partner Background

The Department of Pediatric Dentistry of the University San Martín de Porres has been one of the leading Latin American research institutions in promoting children’s dental health and preventing early childhood caries (or cavities). It participated in the creation of the Research Observatory for Dental Cavities of the Latin American Region and developed projects for the International Association of Dental Research, the World Health Organization, the World Dental Federation, and the Peruvian Association for Babies. The head of the Department is a member of the Peruvian Ministry of Health.

 

Definition of Opportunity

Early childhood caries (ECC) is defined as any caries experience involving primary dentition in children under 72 months. Although it is preventable, it is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in early childhood, a risk factor for malnutrition, and a factor limiting the growth, development, and quality of life of children with untreated lesions. Even though the main risk factors in the development of ECC are well-known and categorized as microbiological, dietary, and environmental, its worldwide prevalence (48%) has not significantly changed since the ‘90s. There is ample literature on how the disease develops, reaching up to 90% of 5-year-olds from low-income families in Peru, but little is known about the mindset of the 10% disease-free population.

 How do these families implement preventive habits despite sharing the same constraints and barriers as others?

 This project focuses on understanding these positive deviants, known as bright spots, to identify the best practices and behaviors of that community and help design and develop activities that can engage the target population for long-lasting preventive results. This approach has been proved valuable in fighting situations such as childhood malnutrition in Vietnam and reducing hospital infections in the U.S.

Definition of Success

The insights generated by this project have the possibility to change early childhood outcomes not only in Lima but anywhere the created methodology is applied. The study offers an innovative approach to help communities identify and implement easily accessible solutions for their children’s oral health.

Meet the Team

Final Deliverable

Bright Spots Presentation (English Version) - Fall 2023 by Joseph Drey on Scribd

The Vines (Spring 2023)

Building capacity and sustainable development in Mendoza, Argentina

Partner Background

The Vines Foundation is a catalyst for positive change in Tunuyan, a city in the Western province of Mendoza, Argentina. Our mission is to promote the capacity of our community through sustainable initiatives that improve food security, strengthen socioeconomic independence, and contribute to the holistic wellbeing of each child in our community. As the philanthropic arm of The Vines, an Argentine farming, winemaking and hospitality company (vinesofmendoza.com, vinesresortandspa.com) with deep international connections, the Foundation is leveraging its resources to meet the immediate and long-term needs of the local community. Most importantly, we are seeking to increase capacity and participation through engaging community members and organizations, local and national businesses, and the municipal government to address complex challenges. 

 

Definition of Opportunity

We seek to communicate through our work the importance of accompaniment and co-creation, in which we see our community members as partners who are the first and best teachers capable of enacting change and creating opportunities for their families and neighborhoods. 

For the Spring of 2023, The Vines Foundation is partnered with the University of Notre Dame Development Advisory Teams (DAT) to explore strategies for turning community kitchens (comedores) into community spaces that become hubs where the community can find connection, take advantage of recreational and educational activities, seek assistance, and take ownership of the comedor’s direction. 

During 2023, we aim to:

• Work with comedor leaders to create and implement workshops on girls’ and women’s empowerment, education, nutrition, and mental health. Embed strategies for encouraging parents’ participation in the workshops and in the comedor more generally.

• Outline a program of hands-on volunteer experiences and workshops for employees and vineyard owners to connect with the work of The Vines Foundation.

• Identify and provide wellness, recreational, and educational resources and opportunities for The Vines employees, from seasonal laborers to year-round staff, that they identify as being beneficial to their wellbeing.

Definition of Success

Through working with a Spring 2023 DAT, we hope to generate interest, excitement and actions in support of The Vines Foundation.  We define success as effectively and sustainably increasing community participation and receiving positive feedback from community members on the programs and opportunities that we work with various stakeholders and community leaders to provide.

Meet the Team

Final Deliverable

Final Deliverable Vines F23 by Joseph Drey on Scribd

University of Notre Dame McDonald Center for Student Well-Being & Division of Student Affairs (Spring 2023)

Enhancing Student Wellbeing at Notre Dame

Partner Background

The McDonald Center for Student Well-Being strategically assesses the environment and creates structures for wellness enhancement and risk reduction for Notre Dame students. Using evidence-based practices and collaborating with a range of campus partners, “McWell”  works closely with the Division of Student Affairs to provide initiatives, services, and resources that support the eight dimensions of student well-being.

 

Definition of Opportunity

Given the stresses and challenges to mental health that exist for college students and the impacts of the pandemic, it is evident that students can benefit from wellness resources more than ever. The University offers a variety of resources to students, but they are spread across different schools, offices, and initiatives.  In the spring 2022, a team of students mapped resources (programs, initiatives, classes, support groups, etc) on campus that help promote wellness and student flourishing.   In the fall 2022, a student team explored strategies and approaches that Keough School of Global Affairs (and other) faculty used in the classroom to promote student flourishing. The team held a workshop with faculty to exchange ideas and share best practices. 

Definition of Success

A successful project would, in consultation with the two ND liaisons, build on work of past DAT projects in ways that help promote student flourishing at Notre Dame.  This might be developing a guide for faculty on best practices, additional workshops and/or modalities for faculty to engage on these issues. 

Meet the Team

Spring 2023 ND Wellness DAT Presentation by Joseph Drey on Scribd

Enseña Chile (Spring 2023)

Enhancing Leadership Development in Chilean Schools

Partner Background

The non-profit educational organization, Enseña Chile is promoting a movement to transform opportunities for public school students in Chile. Inspired by Teach for America in the US, Enseña Chile works to develop educational leaders committed to improving access to excellent educational opportunities for students regardless of socio-economic circumstances. Founded in Santiago in 2007 by Enseña Chile CEO Tomas Recart, the organization works to provide quality education for high school students by bringing outstanding university graduates with leadership skills into under-resourced schools. Through its Colegios que Aprenden (CQA) consulting unit, Enseña Chile is working to produce a system-wide impact on issues of educational quality, leadership, and equity.

 

Definition of Opportunity

Over the past ten years, Enseña Chile has partnered with Notre Dame’s International Development in Practice class and the i-Lab Master of Global Affairs program to evaluate best practices and key aspects of supporting educational leaders in Chile. The 2022 i-Lab project examined the role that school leadership plays, and focuses on the key role of principals for enhancing outcomes for students.  In the process, the i-Lab team developed a leadership development tool for principals. This DAT project aspires to explore models that can help disseminate and actively use the tool to promote activities that can support the sharing of good school leadership practices in Chile.  It is critical to define how the tool can be used within the framework of Enseña Chile CQA’s coaching sessions, and more generally to promote leadership and teacher development. 

Definition of Success

Enseña Chile seeks to implement the findings from the i-Lab team report, and find the most effective way principals might use the tool which focuses on three overarching themes: Build Trust, Be Coherent, and Develop a Learning Culture.

Meet the Team

Final Deliverable

Ensena Chile Presentation F23 by Joseph Drey on Scribd