Organ and Tissue Donor Month is observed in August, or Orgust, each year, with August 13 being designated as World Organ Donation Day.

With the help of the Orgamites, teachers can, in a fun way, help their learners understand the function of each organ and how people benefit from organ donation.

The Orgamites Mighty Education Programme is a free tool for teachers, focusing on children between the ages of five and 11. This programme enriches, not competes with, the formal curriculum.

The resources seek to strengthen learners’ understanding in science, biology, relationship skills, inclusion, citizenship, physical education, and personal and social well-being (PSW).

From ready-to-go lesson plans and presentations, to fun videos, posters, and worksheets, from in-class object lessons to take-home booklets and activities – there is something for everyone in the resources hub.

Who are the orgamites?
A team of life-saving organs found in each one of us, the Orgamites are also known as the ‘mighty organs’ because they represent the organs most needed for donation and transplantation.

Through an ever-growing range of fun, educational resources, the Orgamites are on a mission to inspire and equip more learners, teachers, and families to discuss organ donation and take better care of their health, each other, and our world.

This story starts with teachers
The teachers are already heroes in these books. But did you know that your class is full of undercover superheroes? Hiding in plain sight, every one of your learners possesses a set of incredible organs. These magnificent parts not only keep them alive and healthy – but could save other lives one day too.

The problem is – hardly any schools teach this. As the only kids organ donation, health and wellbeing education programme of its kind, the Orgamites are here to change all that – breathing new life and lightness into kids’ awareness and appreciation of their health and organs

Why teach children about organ donation?
Around the world, there’s a critical shortage of life-saving organs, especially for children. In fact, kids tend to wait two and a half times longer than adults.

Education is key to addressing young people’s concerns about organ and tissue donation. It can help them feel empowered to talk about donation with their families and equip them to make informed choices in the future.

That’s where teachers (and parents) come in. Together with the Orgamites’ tried-and-tested educational resources, you can help turn back the tide, one class and conversation at a time.

The Orgamites programme was created in 2012 by Roydon Turner in the United Kingdom before being formalised in 2016. The programme is managed by the Community Interest Company, All Good Co.

Committed to changing the world, they aim to shift the focus from only those waiting for an organ to everyone who has organs. For more information, visit the website orgamites.co.za