Today, we are excited to kick off our celebration of International Women's Day! We are honoring the incredible achievements of women worldwide, acknowledging the obstacles they face, and advocating for a more just and equitable society. This year's theme, "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," calls for collective action to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all, ensuring a future where no one is left behind. At Orant, we're committed to empowering rural women in our community. Read our latest blog article to discover the ways we're working towards a more equitable future for all.
What does Orant mean?
What “Orant” means for our mission
Author: Molly Horn-Smith

What does Orant mean?
The word “orant,” for which Orant Charities is named, has a deeply spiritual definition. Represented in early Christian art, “orant” refers to a figure, usually female, standing with their arms stretched upward in prayer. The word “orant” comes from Medieval Latin, meaning “to plead.” A figure reaching upward to the heavens, asking the Lord for an answered prayer or, today, giving thanks.
Orant Charities was founded by two men who hold their faith close to their hearts, men for whom Christ became a motivation to a higher cause. A mission to which they would dedicate their time and years of their lives. Michael Tenny and Seth Morgan founded Orant Charities 18 years ago this month, putting their faith in the Lord at the forefront of their work, and believing that this faith would see them through the years of work that lay ahead. And they were right.
Orant Charities has been successful over the last 18 years due in no small measure to the faith of our founders, our Board of Directors, our donors and sponsors, and the belief in a greater good that motivates our work. Orant shares Christian values and faith is a strong motivator, and we seek to share the passion of Michael and Seth in every step we take along this journey.
We are thankful for the hard work and dedication of our team of employees in Malawi who have been steadfast, loyal, and successful at carrying our mission to the people of Malawi. This mission would not exist without their contributions. We also thank our team in the US who carry on the work of Orant day in and day out. Finally, we want to thank the people of Malawi, who have opened their hearts and arms to us, and who have shown grit and determination every day to succeed and not let the struggles of poverty and climate change discourage them. They are our heroes, showing us every day why we are here and why we keep this mission alive.
Whether you have been alongside us for 18 years or just joined us yesterday, we thank you. In this season of Thanksgiving, we give thanks for you, raising our arms heavenward in gratitude and recognition of the time, effort, and devotion you have offered to us and to the people of Malawi. We are indebted to you.
The Orant Journal
Introducing the Umodzi Village Business Manual
It's been a while since we last shared an update on our Mobile Outreach clinic, but rest assured that our team has been working tirelessly to deliver healthcare services to hard-to-reach populations. Despite the challenges posed by the rainy season, our clinic remains in full swing, with our team venturing out every day to bring medical care to those who need it most. In today's blog, we highlight the significance of our Mobile Outreach clinic during this rainy season, and its impact on the communities we serve.
Reaching the Unreached Despite the Odds
It's been a while since we last shared an update on our Mobile Outreach clinic, but rest assured that our team has been working tirelessly to deliver healthcare services to hard-to-reach populations. Despite the challenges posed by the rainy season, our clinic remains in full swing, with our team venturing out every day to bring medical care to those who need it most. In today's blog, we highlight the significance of our Mobile Outreach clinic during this rainy season, and its impact on the communities we serve.
The Unyielding Struggle of a Malawian Rural Farmer
As the backbone of Malawi's economy, agriculture accounts for approximately 30% of the country's Gross Domestic Product. It is the primary source of livelihood for many rural Malawians, who solely rely on farming to make ends meet. However, the journey to a successful harvest is never easy for these rural farmers, who face numerous challenges that threaten their livelihoods. In this week's blog article, we delve into the current challenges facing Malawi’s rural farmers this farming season.
Unlocking Digital Financial Literacy in Rural Malawi
In today's fast-paced world, digital financial literacy is more important than ever. It is essential for saving time and resources, as most financial transactions have gone digital. This week, our Business Development program launched a digital financial literacy campaign, building on our previous "Hey Sister! Show me your mobile money" campaign. Read our latest blog article to learn more about this campaign and its impact on our communities.
Empowering Women Through Village Savings and Loans
These beaming smiles belong to our Tikondane Village Savings and Loan (VSL) group members, who have just harvested the fruits of their labor after a year of hard work and diligent saving. Through our VSL program, these incredible individuals have learned the value of saving, budgeting, and investing in the future of their families. Click the link below to learn more about how VSLs work and hear incredible stories from these women.
Staff Highlight – Lester Mwalwenje
Meet Lester Mwalwenje, Orant's new Energy and Environment Program Manager. We are so excited to have him on board!
Ulemu Scholarship Selection for 2024/2025
Congratulations to the recipients of the Ulemu Scholarship for 2024/2025! We are so proud of you!
The Culture of Malawi: A Continuation to Malawian Proverbs
Malawian culture has always been known as a treasure trove of wisdom, and proverbs being an integral part of our rich heritage. These timeless sayings have been passed on through generations, offering guidance, direction, and warnings that shape our values, beliefs, and daily lives. In this blog series, we delve into the world of Malawian proverbs, exploring their meanings, contexts and significance. Read today's blog post which serves as a continuation to our journey.
Job: Medical Assistant
Apply today for jobs with our Medical Assistant position in Dowa, Malawi!