Daniel Kwon’s journey began in a tiny apartment where his family shared meals on cardboard boxes due to the lack of a table. His parents migrated from South Korea to Philadelphia in pursuit of the American dream in 2005. Kwon, now a senior at Conestoga High School, reflects on the financial struggles his family faced in the initial stages of settling in a new country.
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Despite the hardships, Kwon’s parents ensured that their children experienced cultural events and museums in Philadelphia. It was during these outings that Kwon developed empathy towards those experiencing homelessness. He realized how privileged he was to have basic necessities like a roof over his head, shower facilities, soap, and toothpaste.
This realization inspired him to establish a non-profit in 2023 initially known as the Student Association of Hygiene Product Donation. The organization conducted bake sales at Conestoga to fund the creation of hygiene kits for local homeless shelters.
At a HOSA-Future Health Professionals conference, Kwon interacted with students worldwide interested in public health. This encounter served as a wake-up call, prompting him to redirect his efforts towards a more impactful cause.
The non-profit underwent a rebranding in 2023, now known as Plover International. The organization’s mission is inspired by Plovers, birds that cleanse alligator teeth, symbolizing essential hygiene. The motto “hygiene is a human right” drives their initiative.
Plover collaborates with various chapters, focusing on distributing dental and menstrual products to underserved communities. The importance of hygiene in preventing diseases is highlighted, with statistics revealing the global lack of adequate hand-washing facilities.
Oral hygiene is emphasized due to its connection to various health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. Kwon’s ambition to pursue a career in emergency medicine or dentistry aligns with his commitment to enhancing community healthcare.
Recent events hosted by Plover saw students assembling dental hygiene and menstrual product kits for distribution to shelters and human services organizations. The involvement of chapters across the country demonstrates a united effort in promoting health and well-being.
As Plover continues to expand its reach, Kwon envisions addressing the need for pediatric products like diapers and wipes, essential items not covered by existing programs. The focus remains on community building and raising awareness about hygiene as a fundamental aspect of public health.