Ratna is a 6th-grade elementary school student from a modest family in East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi. Her father worked as a grain carrier, and her mother was a housewife. However, Ratna has a big dream of becoming a teacher and impacting her community.
Ratna told about the little doctor at her school who promoted dental and oral health. Previously, Ratna only washed her hands and brushed her teeth carelessly daily. However, when she heard from the little doctor about the importance of clean and healthy living behavior, Ratna began to change her habits.
“Previously, I brushed my teeth when I showered in the morning before going to school and in the afternoon before prayer, but I just learned from the little doctor that the right time to brush my teeth is 30 minutes after breakfast and before bed,” said Ratna.
With this new knowledge, Ratna started brushing her teeth 30 minutes after breakfast and before going to bed at night. Apart from that, Ratna also spread this message to her friends. She started teaching her friends how to brush their teeth and wash their hands properly. She also reminds her friends to wash their hands every time they enter the house and after playing.
“I usually teach my friends not just wash their hands and brush their teeth, but also the importance of doing it correctly,” said Ratna.
The school principal, Sitti Aminah, saw the change in her student’s behavior and appreciated Ratna’s efforts.
“Ratna is not a little doctor at school, but she has a strong desire to convey what she knows to her friends, even her parents,” explained Sitti.