Update from OMF International Leadership
Date: 19 September 2025
Since our last update on the 24 January 2025, OMF (UK) continues to investigate complaints of harm received from 2 individuals who attended a Chefoo School. A team of specialists in Safeguarding and senior leaders from within OMF, alongside external experts, has been formed to conduct a rigorous investigation on behalf of OMF (UK), which is part of an on-going legal process.
The inquiry is both complex and sensitive. It has required a significant number of internal and external interviews with individuals across many time zones (some in remote locations) and some with long-retired members of staff. It has also meant identifying and locating documents and records, many of which are not digitised, due to the historic nature of the enquiry.
The thorough investigation is being carried out following strict protocols, recognised international safeguarding guidelines, in accordance with legal advice. As such, OMF remains committed to seeing the process through and cannot anticipate the outcome nor completion date of the initial investigation at this stage. The relevant legal authorities are being kept aware of progress, and we will publish a further update when appropriate.
We recognize that this subject may bring up difficult thoughts and emotions for you; therefore, it may be helpful to talk to a professional who is trained to help you process them.
If you are affected by events at a former Chefoo School and/or have any information which could help the investigation, please contact: chefoo.safeguarding@omfmail.com. Be assured that any concerns raised, or information received will be treated with the upmost sensitivity and respect. In all our communication, we follow OMF’s safeguarding procedures, which can be found here.
Background
Chefoo School was a Christian boarding school established in 1881 by OMF’s predecessor, the China Inland Mission. It provided education for the children of missionaries and the business and diplomatic communities in China. After WWII, Chefoo Schools were established throughout East Asia. As local alternative international educational facilities became more prevalent, the need for boarding schools decreased. In 2001, Chefoo School Malaysia, the last of the OMF-run boarding schools, was closed.
Date: 24 January 2025
In June 2024 the OMF International Leadership Team shared that OMF (UK) had received complaints from former Chefoo School pupils about harm caused by several alleged perpetrators. Thank you to everyone who has participated in the process so far.
By way of update, a formal investigation led by senior members of the OMF International Team has continued, by and on behalf of OMF (UK),
- This investigation is part of a specific legal process.
- Lawyers for both the complainants and OMF (UK) are involved.
- All relevant authorities are being kept informed of progress.
- The investigation is following strict protocols, safeguarding procedures, and all legal requirements.
18 interviews are complete; they have taken longer than expected, due to:
- The complexity of locating some interviewees,
- Arranging interviews across different countries and times zones, and
- Ensuring that interviews are done sensitively and confidentially.
We intend to hold at least 20 more interviews over the next few months. As a result, we have established 3 specialist teams to conduct the interviews. We aim to conclude this series of interviews in the first half of 2025, at which point we will provide a further update.
We recognize that this subject may bring up difficult thoughts and emotions for you; therefore, it may be helpful to talk to a professional who is trained to help you process them.
If you are affected by events at a former Chefoo School and/or have any information which could help the investigation, please contact: chefoo.safeguarding@omfmail.com. Be assured that any concerns raised, or information received will be treated with the upmost sensitivity and respect. In all our communication, we follow OMF’s safeguarding procedures, which can be found here.
Date: Jun 21, 2024
A letter from the International Leadership Team
It is with deep sadness that we write to advise you that complaints have been received by OMF UK relating to harm caused to former Chefoo school pupils by a number of alleged perpetrators.
This will be distressing for our OMF colleagues to hear, as well as all those connected to OMF. As an organisation, we take all allegations of harm of all forms very seriously as we believe that every person has immeasurable value and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
A formal investigation, initiated by and on behalf of OMF UK and led by senior members of the OMF International team, has been launched in response to the complaints. Interviews are being conducted and information is being collected adhering to strict safeguarding procedures, protocols and accepted best practices. Such investigations are very sensitive and will be conducted in a careful and discreet way. The relevant legal authorities are aware of the complaints, and we will continue to update them when appropriate.
Regrettably, this is not the first time that OMF has faced similar complaints. Between 2014 and 2016, OMF International investigated historic allegations from the 1970s at two Chefoo Schools. The findings of an inquiry upheld the allegations of harm. OMF International accepted the findings of the inquiry and acknowledges the pain and suffering caused to these individuals while under the care of OMF.
We grieve when we hear of harm and abuse that continues to take place in societies, institutions, and organisations in our world today. Our thoughts are with all survivors who have suffered in this way – and continue to suffer – from the effects of such abusive and immoral behaviour.
If you are affected by events at a former Chefoo School and or have any information to share which could help with this investigation, please contact: chefoo.safeguarding@omfmail.com. All communication will be conducted sensitively and in accordance with relevant protocols, including OMF’s Safeguarding procedures, which can be found here. If you are finding this subject upsetting, if you are a survivor of such harm, or if you are distressed by this news, please seek help.
Chefoo School was a Christian boarding school established in 1881 by OMF’s predecessor, the China Inland Mission. It provided education for the children of missionaries and the business and diplomatic communities in China. After WWII, Chefoo Schools were established throughout East Asia. As local alternative international educational facilities became more prevalent, the need for boarding schools decreased. In 2001, Chefoo School Malaysia, the last of the OMF-run boarding schools, was closed.
In grief and hope,
Dr Joseph Chang (General Director) and Faye Hohaia (Assistant General Director), on behalf of all the members of the International Leadership Team.
- Last updated on Sep 19, 2025
