Empowering Healthy Futures Through Inclusive Participation: A Formative Assessment on key oral health practices and child participation in schools of the All Kids Shine Project (Philippines, 2025)

The All Kids SHINE Project by Save the Children Philippines, active since 2009, aims to improve health, hygiene, and nutrition among school-aged children. A 2025 formative assessment in Antipolo, Tanay, Pililla, and Baras revealed three key behavioral challenges: children’s refusal to undergo dental check-ups due to fear and discomfort, inconsistent toothbrushing habits often linked to a lack of parental reminders, and limited child participation in school governance due to low confidence and representation.

To address these, the study recommends innovative strategies such as gamified brushing routines, digital reminders, and storytelling to promote oral hygiene; engaging school and social media initiatives to reframe dental visits positively; and inclusive platforms like suggestion boxes and assemblies to amplify student voices. The findings emphasize the importance of community collaboration, especially with Indigenous groups, to foster healthier and more participatory school environments.