Speech by Charles F. Craft
Speech by Dr. Charles F. Craft, Founder at the Celebration: 1996 –2016 – one fifth of a century passed, overcoming many difficulties, many ups and downs that the EMW Dental seemed to have shutdowns, thenwas reborn to survive and thrive with its better and stronger growth.I always thought if the initial cause was morally true and ethically sound, then somehow the fates will allow us to succeed. As of January 31, 2016, there were approximate 150,000 disadvantaged children(about five times the number filling up the Danang Soccer Stadium)served with over 500,000 quality humanitarian dental services.
I want to pass along mygreat appreciation to all the current staff members of the East Meets West Dental Program and those who have worked with us in the past. Along with over 1,000 international volunteers, and the generous individual and organizational donors/sponsors as as well as the great support and collaboration of partners inside and outside Vietnam, we have put together a truly remarkable humanitarian program that has helped bringing back healthy smiles to thousand disadvantaged children in Central Vietnam.These children were lucky to receive this care through donated modern equipment, instruments and materials. And they were fortunate to have such skilled dental professionals who treated them with respect, compassion and dignity. It has also been a great pleasure to work side by side with the Vietnamese people in this endeavor. You have shared your country, culture and friendship with each of us all while creating special memories that many visitors will never forget.
Our common belief was that the children in central Vietnam, despite the War that took place here, should have access to dental care the same as other children in the world. That simple mission is what inspired so many people from around the globe to come and assist us and it has now stood the test of time.
Who knows what the future will hold, but as Vietnam continues to develop and public health dentistry becomes more important in the rural areas, we hope East meets West can continue to serve as a model program for the country, to partner both in providing care and in offering training and education. We also wish to thank the many Vietnam government and health officials who have made this international cooperative program possible. Through the East meets West Dental, people have learned to understand and trust each other again and this has led to great benefit for all of the thousands of children we have had the pleasure to serve. And now it is time to celebrate this great occasion, please enjoy!
