World Kidney Day – Canadian Blood Service gifts organ donation education programme

To mark World Kidney Day on 13 March 2025, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is excited to announce the launch of the Orgamites programme in South Africa. 

The Orgamites Mighty Education Programme, in partnership with the Canadian Blood Service, was unveiled at Groote Schuur Hospital. During a visit to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, artwork done by a group of Canadian school learners for the “Works of Heart” competition was handed over. Canadian children have been benefitting from the Orgamites programme since 2021. As part of the launch in South Africa, the initiative is being piloted at 4 schools in Cape Town.  

Designed specifically for children aged 5-11, the Orgamites programme uses educational videos, resources, tools, toys and technology to inspire and equip learners, teachers, and families to discuss organ donation and to take better care of their bodies and each other. This programme is brought to life through creative animation. The Orgamites are also known as the ‘mighty organs’ because they represent the organs most needed for donation and transplantation.

As highlighted by Almaret Du Toit, Chief Education Specialist for Foundation Phase from the Western Cape Education Department during the launch at Groote Schuur Hospital, “At its core, the Orgamites Programme is about more than just advocacy for organ donation; it is also about empowering young minds to make informed, compassionate, and responsible decisions that can transform their lives and the lives of others.”

She added, “The Foundation Phase is a critical period in every child’s development. It is during these formative years that values are instilled, habits are formed, and the seeds of lifelong learning are sown. It is here that children learn not just to read and write but to care, to think critically, and to make connections between their actions and the world around them. It recognises the power of education in these early years. By integrating health advocacy, the importance of body awareness, and the concept of following the Foundation Phase curriculum, we are not only educating; we are planting the seeds of kindness, empathy, and responsibility.”

The Orgamites mission is to make the programme engaging and child-friendly and encourages teachers and children to learn about and discuss organ donation from an early age.

By using animated characters representing organs vital for donation, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, children learn both the importance of taking care of their own bodies and the life-saving potential of organ donation. The lesson resources also include stories from paediatric donor families and recipients in South Africa, who share how organ donations have changed their lives. 

Dr David Thomson, a critical care specialist and transplant surgeon at Groote Schuur Hospital, is one of the many champions of this initiative. He believes that early education about organ donation can improve understanding of organ donation in communities.

“Introducing the importance of donation from a young age can have a profound impact,” said Dr Thomson. “It can teach children not just about their own health, but also about compassion, selflessness, and the importance of caring for others. What would you say if you had to write a thank you letter to a donor family? That gift, at a time of grief, is truly selfless.”

Professor Mignon McCulloch, head of the paediatric renal and solid organ transplant unit at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, believes that the programme will spark much-needed conversations around organ donation in South African communities. As the immediate past-president of the South African Transplant Society, she emphasises the importance of educating children and families about the life-changing impact of organ donations.

“We’ve seen first-hand how the gift of an organ can give a child a second chance at life,” says Professor McCulloch. “Many children who find themselves in our hospitals would never survive without organ donation. Through the Orgamites programme, we hope to teach children not only the importance of organ donation but also the value of looking after their organs and living healthy lives.”

For families of children awaiting organ transplants, the reality of waiting for a donor can be stressful. With South Africa’s organ donation rate remaining one of the lowest in the world, especially for paediatric donors, healthcare workers hope that this programme will improve education and awareness around organ donation by starting the conversations needed in our education system. 


How you can get involved

Being an organ and tissue donor is a decision that can literally save and change lives. Learn more about it and talk about it with your family. 

• Learn about Orgamites here: https://orgamites.co.za

If you're interested in registering as an organ or tissue donor, visit the following local organisations for more information:

• Organ Donation Foundation (ODF): 0800 22 66 11 or https://odf.org.za
• South African Bone Marrow Registry: www.sabmr.co.za

Remember to discuss your decision with your family. Make it easier for them to say “Yes.” Ensure they understand your wish to donate your organs or tissue after your passing. They will always be asked for permission. Your family will not incur any medical costs related to the donation, and there is no financial burden for your loved ones.