Orphan Medical Network International (OMNI)

OMNI completed its 23rd year in Zambia, Africa with the education of over 360 children at our school, grades 1 through 9. Each child was provided with a uniform, shoes, backpack, school supplies, and chemically treated anti-malaria nets. The school children and staff were fed daily and received clean drinking water. The school continues to provide personal protection masks, good hygiene protocols and chlorine each month for the water supply. Sanitary products are now provided monthly for every girl who needs them. COVID cases are rare however good hand washing and hygiene remains a priority. Malaria remains a constant threat to the people of Zambia. The school continues to be a beacon of hope for the Village of George. Forty-four first graders were admitted to school this year, however over one hundred showed up for application. Twenty-one boys and twenty-three girls were provided with a chance to have a quality education. All students passed the first grade through the eighth grade, with 25 students passing the 9th grade. OMNI employs eleven teachers along with an additional five teachers provided by the Government of Zambia. OMNI continues to provide fresh vegetables with our on-campus crops, 200 laying hens for eggs, and fresh clean water from two bore holes. This is now a vital element as Zambia experienced a nation-wide drought leaving many families with no access to water and the inability to grow small gardens for their food. A small business team consisting of two physicians, an RN (all OMNI board members) and a donor spent a week at the OMNI School in September. Physical exams, height, weight, pictures and social histories were done on all children. Personal care kits and supplies were distributed to the children and staff. During the social histories, it was noted that there was an increase in need for our home feeding program. We increased the number of families receiving food each month to forty. Continued assessments will be done if there are further needs. The team met with the staff, local law enforcement, and local leaders to assess the needs of the community surrounding the school. It was noted that an increase of security is urgent due to the increase of crime in response to the drought. A six-foot high cinder block wall enclosing the OMNI property was built. A police post will be built on the corner of our property to ensure further security in this region. The small police post will also include a gender-based violence counselling center to address this issue. A graduation ceremony was held at the end of the calendar year in Zambia for the 9th graders and was heavily attended by the parents of the student, local dignitaries and Rotary in Zambia.