Toiletries are not something that our refugee friends can purchase with their food stamp money allowance.  It seems that many of my friends never have soap or toilet paper in their bathrooms.  Many of them are not familiar with things like toilet paper and the need for hand soap for the continual washing of their hands.  They are often unsure what to do with other toiletries such as toothpaste or deodorant.

As a matter of fact, I recently was in a conversation with Nala (a refugee from Somalia who has been in our country for several years now), who informed me that there were many refugees still scrubbing their teeth with sticks.  This explains why I’ve seen new refugees walking around with sticks in their mouths!  Apparently, this is a practice commonly done in areas of Africa where toothbrushes and toothpaste were not available.  Nala said that if you break a stick in half, then rub the frayed end on your teeth that it would help to keep your teeth white, free from plaque and your breath to stay fresh.

I proceeded to inquire with Nala, “What type of stick should be used?”

She laughed and said, “Any stick will do”.

I wondered if the reason why so many of my African friends seem to have clean white beautiful teeth was because they stick brush their teeth!  If this is true, then I may need to begin this as well.  I’ll have to research this method of cleaning my teeth in addition to brushing with toothpaste and a toothbrush.

Asha’s Refuge will continue to work with our friends to teach them good hygiene habits such as brushing their teeth with toothpaste and a brush, washing their hands, using deodorant and using toilet paper.  We will need to help provide them with the necessary toiletries they will need to keep up with these habits while they are still looking for permanent jobs.  If you can help, please let us know.