On December 2, ETA Andrew Shifren attended an exciting community event. The Labuan Bajo mayor’s office, in conjunction with the Indonesian Ministry of Environment, organized a trash pickup and dental hygiene event. Although the topics didn’t seem particularly closely related, trash on the beach and tooth decay are both problems in Labuan Bajo. Why not kill two birds with one stone?

About 500 students participated, each group of students being assigned a different stretch of beach to pick clean. Once the beach was sparkling clean, different groups made sand sculptures. However, any sculptures not explicitly dental in nature were disqualified. Andrew enjoyed cheering on Stella Maris’ sand sculpture group as they chiseled a masterful molar.

Sand sculpture of tooth

While they were crafting dental masterpieces, other students returned with large bags filled with beach trash. Andrew joined the Ministry of Environment officials to help weigh the bags and tally the progress. After the bags had been weighed, the students lined up to receive their mouthwash and toothbrushes. With the conclusion of the formal event came the line dances, which Andrew happily participated in.

Andrew Shifren is currently teaching at SMK Stella Maris Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara