Social Network India

CSR-Implementation Program: Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) Program in Assam

Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) Program in Assam

Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) Program Implementation in Assam evaluates the effectiveness and outcomes of the oral health education initiative implemented in Dibrugarh and Golaghat districts of Assam. This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, in collaboration with Social Network India, aimed at promoting oral hygiene awareness and educating children about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. The Colgate’s BSBF program was executed in the financial year 2024-25 and successfully reached 110,000 children across 384 schools (242 in Dibrugarh and 142 in Golaghat). The initiative focused on educating school children aged 6-15 years in government, government-aided, and low-income private schools about proper oral hygiene, healthy dietary habits, and tobacco prevention.

Survey

Fundamentally, a survey is a method of gathering information from a sample of people, traditionally with the intention of generalizing the results to a larger population.

Evaluation

Evaluation assessment considers value, merit, worth, significance or quality (Scriven, 1991). It may aim to identify what works, for whom, in what respects.

Monitoring

Monitoring is conducted after a programme has begun and continues throughout the programme implementation period.

IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

Environmental Impact Assessment Review (EIA Review) is a refereed, interdisciplinary journal serving a global audience of practitioners.

Key Objectives

Promote Good Oral Hygiene:

Teach children proper brushing techniques and oral care routines.

Prevent Dental Issues:

Educate on preventive measures to reduce cavities and gum diseases.

Raise Awareness on Tobacco Hazards:

Inform children about the risks of tobacco use.

Encourage Healthy Lifestyles:

Advocate nutritious diets and self-care habits.

Enhance Academic Performance:

Improve student focus and well-being through better oral health.

Create a Supportive School Environment:

Foster a culture of good oral hygiene practices.

Methodology & Implementation

The program adopted a multi-stakeholder, participatory approach, including:

  • School-based educational sessions: Interactive learning using storytelling, puppetry, and visual aids.
  • Training teachers as health educators: Providing structured guides and resources.
  • Distribution of oral care kits: Free toothbrushes and toothpaste to encourage healthy habits.
  • Behavioral Change Communication (BCC): Reinforcing knowledge through digital and classroom resources.
  • Community Engagement: Involving parents, teachers, and caregivers to ensure sustained learning.

Key Achievements & Impact

  • 100% Target Achievement: Reached all 110,000 children before the deadline.
  • Enhanced Awareness: Significant increase in knowledge about proper brushing techniques and oral health benefits.
  • Tobacco Awareness & Prevention: Improved understanding of tobacco’s harmful effects.
  • Community and Parental Involvement: Strengthened participation from parents and educators.
  • Sustainability Measures: Long-term integration of oral health education in schools.