One of the students who took a business class with Neil Sowards in 2004, Naw Tha Wah, later contacted him with an idea. She had graduated and started working in Pathein, in the west part of the delta. She wanted to do a translation of the book, Where There Is No Dentist, into Sgaw Karen. Neil suggested that a Burmese translation would be helpful to more people because the language is more widely used in Burma than Sgaw Karen. He offered the support of Friends of Burma (FOB). She found a translator and formed a committee of dental professionals who oversaw the translation. She even organized a Christian Dental Care Association.
Then came Hurricane Nargis. The disaster changed the focus of everyone including the committee members who were helping survivors for almost two years. The primary translator died unexpectedly. In the end, the translation was abridged, leaving out some chapters which dental professionals felt instructed villagers to do procedures which should only be done by dentists. The overseeing dentists feared that the government might prevent publication of the unabridged book. Knowing an abridged book was better than no book, FOB agreed. Neil authorized printing 2,000 copies.
Rev. Greeta Din presenting a copy of the book to a Christian Dental Care Committee Member with Naw Tha Wah looking on.
On March 6, 2010, at a dedication service attended by 50 persons, Dr. Greeta Din of the KBC delivered the message and Thramu Magnolia gave the consecration prayer at the Christian Dental Care office.
The total cost of the translation, dedication, printing, etc. was 2,240,000 kyats--roughly $2,240. 1,150 copies have been distributed and 686 remain on hand. They are being given to Village Health Workers, villagers, and church leaders. One copy will go to the original writer in Canada who gave permission to translate his work.
Word has spread about this book so many want a copy. If you want to help a whole village by giving a health worker this book, the cost for preparing and delivering it is $4.00.
We celebrate the fact that as a small organization. FOB, Inc. has the ability to be flexible and act when there is opportunity and people who want to do a significant project.
Participants of dedication enjoying refreshments afterwards. Such dedications are very necessary in Burmese culture.
Tha Wah presenting Dentist book to Village Health Workers Student.
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