On 18 May 2024, Dr WP van Zyl (1997F) spent his Sunday working at Islamia College where VMS was running their monthly Dental Clinic for the most vulnerable children in the Cape.

He is part of a group of caring healthcare professionals who want to help disabled and institutionalised children receive the dental care that they need.  Patients travel large distances to access the treatment provided.  Dr Yusuf da Costa pictured above, is the Founder of VMS and he is actively changing the lives of hundreds of patients. The children that come to the clinic are described as follows:

The Department of Social Development has identified 5 areas in the Western Cape as zones of Poverty. The children that benefit from VMS clinics originate from some of the poorest areas in the Cape which would be comparable with other like areas all over the country.

These individuals that are institutionalised come from various walks of life but particularly from communities that have a high incidence of substance abuse, high levels of crime and violence, unemployment, high incidence of HIV/AIDS, single and/or child headed households, poverty and other social ills.

Everyone who is involved agrees that the work is challenging but incredibly rewarding. 

Volunteers at the VMS Clinic by Bishops ODU

If you are a healthcare professional who may like to help and want to find out more, CLICK HERE.