Newsletter

V O L U M E 5 6 A U G U S T 2 0 2 3

Born in Africa warms

Congratulations, BIA– our hearts!
graduates!

Winter is upon us in full force in South Africa and this winter in particular is a very cold one. Temperatures
drop and with our area being a winter rainfall area strong winds, blizzards, hail and frost are all detrimental to
so many of the fragile communities we work with. Housing alone is an issue during the chilly season. Wooden
shacks are not insulated, often do not have flooring and are built straight on the earth. Many homes have
leaks and dangerous mould forms as a result of dampness. We also see a serious deterioration in our
learners’ health as well as their family members’. Work during winter is also much scarcer as Plettenberg Bay
is seen as a summer holiday destination. It is for this reason we continue to offer very necessary social as well
as educational support. We continue to offer daily feeding schemes and this winter Isabelle master minded a
brilliant plan; each child in Born in Africa received a warm pair of pyjamas. We only realised the nessesity of
this when the project commenced. It turns out the majority of our children do not possess a warm pair of pj’s to
sleep in. In addition, the electritity crisis in South Africa has reached an alarming level. Periods without
electricity, loadshedding as it is called in South Africa, can occur up to 8 hours a day. We have endeavoured
to combat this dire situation and our amazing supporters in The Netherlands raised the funds to install
electrical invertors at two of our classrooms and centres. This ensures our learners can continue to utilise the
internet after school and they can continue with their computer programmes, online mathematics, university
applications and much more! At home, children do not have these back up solutions which means no TV or
lights and so they play outside a lot more.
Chantal Van Summeren,
We implore you to Born in Africa’s spokes-
become a person in The Nether-
godparent/donor lands, raised lots of mo-
ney with her school, KMC
Please visit our Montijn, for toys and
website and share educational materials too.
far and wide: Thanks to them, children
in The Crags will not get
www.borninafrica.org bored during these ex-
tended times without po-
wer! They now have balls
to pactise their favourite
sports and puzzles to
train their brains.

Our mission is to develop well rounded, independent and successful young adults acting as role
models in their communities by providing educational and social support to school going children
and young adults from disadvantaged areas in Bitou, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.
 Our ultimate reward - graduates!
Currently Born in Africa is supporting 35 tertiary students achieving their dreams. The tertiary bursary
programme has been active for 20 years with more than 79 graduate alumni's to date.
The smiling faces featured here are either pursuing their post graduate degrees also
through Born in Africa or have successfully commenced their careers. Not only have
they achieved greatness in their studies, but they have also become role models and
superheroes to so many other young people in their communities.
We are proud to boast with our learners!
On so many levels Born in Africa learners rise above and
beyond our expectations and we would like to pay homage
to their excellence.
Hlumisa Madolo and Siyolise Modi,
two UCT students, have just been
selected to be a part of the Golden Key
International Honour Society. It is the
world’s largest international collegiate
honour society for graduate and under-
graduate students and has strong rela-
tionships with over 400 universities
around the world. Members qualify
when they are at the top 15% of their
class and are given access to a wide
range of rewards like scholarships,
travel and study abroad opportunities.
Crags Primary Gr 7 learner Cheiniel Seedat
was selected as a member of the Western Cape
netball team.
Solahka Noyi, a Gr 10 learner at
Wittedrift High, has been selected to
serve on the Plettenberg Bay Junior
Town council.
Alvinio Mintoor, from Green Valley, was
awarded a full scholarship to attend
Witteberg High where he currently plays
for the under 14 A team. He currently also
plays for the Griffons provincial rugby
team.
Congratulations to our class of 2022
who received their accolades earlier
this year. Clockwise from top left we
boast with: - Sandy Stuurman who
graduated with her LLB Law degree
at the University of the Western
Cape, Jo-Ann Mapondo graduated
at Varsity College with her National
Certificate in Educare. Rohlene
Jansen obtained her degree in
Fashion Design at the Elizabeth
Galloway School of Fashion in
Stellenbosch. Kelsey Kriga
graduated from Varsity College with
her degree in Foundation Phase
teaching. Michaela Whaites
obtained her degree in Commerce
from Varsity College in Port Eliza-
beth. Ragne Cloete graduated with
her degree in Foundation Phase
teaching from Varsity College. Last
but not least, with a few qualifica-
tions behind his name, Tarric
Davids who completed his Post
Graduate Certificate in Education
which allows him to teach high
school Accounting.
Michaela Whaites, Born in Africa tertiary student, puts in
words beautifully what graduating meant to her: -
“This week ended with me saying in the most humblest way
that the tassel was worth the hassle! It was a proud
moment for me as I wrote my name as one of the first
graduates on my family tree. Not only did I become the
representation of a dream realised, I also fulfilled a
promise made to my late grandmother who upon her death
made me promise to put my education first. As I walked over
the stage and our head of department called out my name
and said that I passed with a distinction, my heart was full
and everyone that dared to give me a chance flashed
before my eyes.
This moment, this
promise fulfilled could
not materialise was it
not for the support of the
Born in Africa team and
all my godparents. Your
compassion was my
saving grace. It took me
out of my circumstances
and showed me a new
way of living and for this
I will always be grateful.
Thank you for giving me
a chance to forge a new
path.
 Co-godparenting explained
For a number of years now, Born in Africa has been busy with funding students to study at the tertiary
institution of their choice. This ultimately fulfils Born in Africa’s mission which is to assist young people
in reaching their dreams to become independent and sustainable community members, contributing to a
holistic and positive society. They also become role models to their peers, in turn positively influencing
them as well. This is a recipe for success.
Not only do we implement the co-godparenting programme Students are held accountable for their results, attendance
with our tertiary students but also learners who attend as well as behaviour. In a similar fashion, our Wittedrift High
Wittedrift High which is our high school of choice for school students are also held accountable for their
academic achievers. Wittedrift High is a school fees paying attendance, behaviour, participation in sports and cultural
school which means once again it needs to be supported by activities and most importantly their academic performance.
godparents contributing toward school fees as well as hos- A strict policy of commitment is expected from our students
tel fees for our weekly boarders. and we really commit to assist them on a daily basis to
achieve excellence. As a co-godparent, one still receives all
To make this all work, we request a number of godparents the relevant infor-
to support one learner or student. The fee structure to study mation of the learner.
at university in South Africa is about €10,000 per year. This An added bonus is that
includes university fees, books, laptop and other there are more sup-
educational material needed, boarding fees, food and porters who the learn-
pocket money. To attend Wittedrift High it costs in the range er values as a support
of about €2,500 per year which includes school fees, books, system. Our co-
uniform, stationery, boarding fees, sports clothing, cultural godparent programme
activities, weekly transport and other miscellaneous costs. is a win win situation
for both student and
The bar is set high for all co-godparent students at tertiary godparent alike! Once
level to work hard and achieve excellent results. They are again it reiterates our
required to communicate with us on a weekly motto: "Together, we
basis so that online mentoring can continue in the same can make a differ-
fashion they have been accustomed to at school level. ence!”

Skills for life - we learn to cook!

Born in Africa’s educational programme was in full swing during the winter holidays. Paula Slabbert organised
three days of workshops for high school learners to get to know everything about cooking and hospitality.

Thanks to the amazing sponsors of Soroptimistclub Batenburg “Maas en Waal”, we

could organise three days of fun in the kitchen for our grade 10, 11 and 12 girls from
all the communities during the holidays. With the professional help of Paula, the girls
learned how to prepare different dishes as well as set a table correctly. This course
fits within the life skills project in which Born in Africa equips its learners with various
knowledge and skills. The girls got a taste of what the hospitality industry has to
offer, but also learned easy and budget friendly recipes which might come in handy
when they go off to study one day!

The course consisted of three parts. First of all Paula educated the girls about the
etiquette of eating out, what cutlery is used for which dish, how to set a table and
different cooking techniques. Then it was time to dive into the kitchen!
Karen With the help
Karen
of their personal recipe books, everyone prepared a dish from scratch. The girls
Karen and
practised measuring the correct quantities and terms like boiling, baking, mixing
frying were taught in the process too. Last but definitely not least, the girls had the
amazing opportunity to visit Barrington’s, a local smokehouse, restaurant and
brewery, in Plettenberg Bay! Their kitchen staff, waiters, baristas and managers told
our girls all about the ins and outs of their jobs. It was awesome to see how every
link operates within the bigger picture of the restaurant. They were also spoiled with
delicious refreshments; thank you Barrington’s! Each
day was ended with a delicious meal enjoyed around
a beautifully set table. The girls did all the hard work
and could then enjoy their yummy dishes.

Thank you sponsors for giving our high schools the

chance of practising this important skill. Thank you to
Barrington’s for having us and Paula for organising
the great workshops and cool recipes!
 Meet our amazing volunteers
In our previous newsletter we introduced Liselot, Jara, Yenthé, Nina, Hanna and Marie to you. In the mean time,
we have had some more volunteers who joined our team. Let’s meet them...

Hi! I'm Jits Van Damme and work at Kranshoek. I am
here as a volunteer and staying at the Born in Africa-
house for two months. In the morning I work with the
children in grades 1, 2 and 3 on their maths, reading
and writing. In the afternoons I take care of a project
for the Born in Africa children. I teach dance or art les-
sons every week to children
from grades 2 to 6. I also
made and filmed a dance in
three schools on the song
Joanna; you can watch it on
Facebook!
Hoi my name is Aniek Cirkel, a young woman from
The Netherlands. I spent a little over a month at Born
in Africa and wish I could have stayed longer! I grew
very fond of the children I worked with at
Formosa Primary and saying goodbye was not easy.
It feels good knowing that I could help them in their
school work and offer them fun
activities after school too as
some of them do not have a good
home situation or no one to help
them with their homework. Thank
you for having me Born in Africa!

We also welcome clients from Oasis Recovery Cen-
tre as volunteers. Those who are well advanced in the
recovery process are offered the possibility to interact
with the children and organise fun activities for them.
In the past few months they have offered face painting,
jewellery making and painting clas-
ses. They love playing soccer and
a few volunteers recently cooked a
delicious meal for the children.
Thank you Oasis; we look forward
to meeting many more of you!
My name is Faustine Debus. I am from France and I
carried out this humanitarian mission as part of my
studies. During my mission I worked at Formosa Pri-
mary School. I helped children with English, reading
and mathematics. In the afternoons I did various ac-
tivities with them such as painting, group games or
projects to prepare for Father's
Day. After this incredible experi-
ence I feel like I was able to help
and to teach them things, but the
kids taught me just as much!

I am Lumir de La Ville de Baugé, a 1st year medicine student in France. A day at Born in Africa starts with get-
ting a taxi to school which is a great experience because taxi’s are small and you get along
quickly with the people in it. In the beginning I was a bit scared to meet the kids but they
are very energetic and I am grateful to receive and give a lot of love. After school, we go to
the Born in Africa centre where the mentors (who are very funny) also work. There we have
time to meet the children, learn about their lives, hobbies and stories. A great thing about
Born in Africa is definitely the team! The organisation is amazing and the atmosphere is
great. BIA helped me to meet and understand all types of people. The kids’ strength
inspires me every day. They work and laugh all the time, despite their difficult backgrounds.

Educational outings
Born in Africa’s educational outings took 280 children The older learners in the Born in
from grades 2 to 10 to Raptor Rescue who is a reha- Africa programme were taken on
bilitation and awareness centre dedicated to birds of a full day outing to important
prey. Raptor Rescue provides a sanctuary for injured landmarks which attract a lot of
and orphaned birds and is committed to rehab and international visitors each year.
release whenever possible. Their flying demonstra- This time we took our grade 11
tions and tours were great to educate the children and 12 students to Oudtshoorn
about raptor species and the conservation risks they which is well known for its beauti-
face. The children also had time to play afterwards at ful caves and wildlife. They visited
The Heath Complex which both the Cango
made it a great day for all Caves as well as
ages to enjoy! the Cango Wild-
life Ranch. It was
Thanks for a great day full
having us! of interesting
tours and amaz-
ing team building
moments.
 Dream in Africa
Having a microwave at home, a bike, new bedding or a bed to sleep in, things so many of us take for granted,
are dreams come true for these children! Thank you to all sponsors who made these dreams a reality.

Nearly 200 Born in

Africa children saw
their dream come true
in 2023!

Mary-Jane & Elizay’s house

For some reason, and although we do not always understand why, bad things happen to very good people. Re-
gardless, Born in Africa is very quick to respond to a family emergency as great as this.

With winter looming, a hail storm hit Kurland Village in

The Crags and unfortunately the White’s family home
was destroyed. It was no surprise, as the original home
was not well structured and literally consisted of plastic,
cardboard and old wood. Isabelle immediately jumped
into action with an emergency fundraising campaign and
within a few weeks enough money was gathered to
rebuild the family home. This was an incredible joint
collaboration of sponsors, volunteers and samaritans.
Not only do the White family now have a brand new and
insulated home, we were also able to furnish it for the
family as they did not possess much furniture.
Cupboards for their clothing, including new clothing,
beds, bedding and electrical appliances etc were sup-
plied. Our volunteers painted the home beautifully and a
stunning floor was donated and with that, the lives of the
White family changed!
 Our assistance equals results!
Mentors hard at work Thank you Sandy!
2023 has been yet again a game changer in terms of our Law graduate Sandy Stuur-
mentor programme where we devoted all our efforts into man joined the Wittedrift High
assisting our learners in their studies. With a very in depth hostel learners for two
workshop about study methods, all aspects of motivation, months where she worked
personal goals, strengths and improving skills were discussed. intensely with our weekly
Study method rosters, week planners, study environments and boarders. Her role included
much more was added to enrich our children’s minds. This was daily homework assistance
beneficial as we noticed so many learners just lacked the and project research, as well
correct tools to assist them in coping. What a game changer! as teaching Maths and litera-
cy to our grade 10 to 12 learners during the afternoons.
Our mentor team has also had the opportunity this year to Sandy also enriched the children’s computer knowledge
follow a number of personal development courses through by assisting them with Google skills, setting up email ad-
FAMSA which included anxiety and depression, anger dresses and correctly corresponding via email. Not only
management, counselling skills and so forth. We are continuing did she make herself available to assist at school when a
to focus on our learners as we do each year with intensive teacher fell ill, she also took it upon herself to help our
career guidance sessions. We really get down to the nitty gritty learners with their online university applications. Sandy,
aspects of our children's lives, including their results, goals and who will commence her articles in 2023, will be missed by
dreams for the future. This recipe always proves successful. all and her help has been such a game changer!

Born in Africa adds a safe space to thrive in Kwano!

We now have a number of learners who reside in Kwanokuthula and with Liezel, who joined
Born in Africa last year, we have been able to assist even more children.
The lack of space in Kwanokuthula has been remedied by yet another brilliant fund raiser
by Isabelle and her team. We have been able to build a classroom where our children gath-
er after school for a number of Born in Africa activities, something to eat and of course par-
ticipate in our mentorship programme.
We are so grateful to the Born in Africa Meetjesland - BIA West Team and those who rallied
together to make this possible. For a child to know there is a safe space where he or she
can flourish in school work as well as personal development is so important and forms one
of Born in Africa’s basic pillars.

Happy birthday to you!

October November
1 Taylin Stuurman 1 Cheinique Seedat 13 Ruben Barnard
1 Kihara Philander 2 Jodiene Booysen 15 Lunisha Brand
1 Tiarra Martins 2 Michaela Whaites 15 Jeffriano Daniels
3 Shaylon Harker 4 Chloe Stuurman 18 Fareesha Cloete
4 Caylon Toll 19 Tasmeen Janklaas
5 Keisha Plaatjies
4 Kiara Maxim
5 Kelsey Kriga 19 Shayin Cassel
6 Jaylin Janklaas
6 Phoebe Wiesie 5 Usiphile Matikiti 22 Aaliyah Ruiters
7 Kiyara Farao 8 Andazell Smith 24 Sivrihanna Le Fleur
8 Jo-Ann Mapondo 11 Mhayson Meyer 24 Giovani Makhado
09 Siyolise Modi 11 Renee Manheba 24 Leante Louw
10 Jaydolene Groeners 11 Jade Barnard 25 Onica Martin
10 Bronico Preissex 11 Wané Kriel 26 Daroné Cassel
10 Zoe-Lee Solomons 13 Roheesha Williams 27 Esaubellah Jansen
10 Luke Salmons 14 Anya Jonkers 28 Charlotte Le Fleur
12 Alezander Pieterse 28 Shaydian Roman
13 Asemahle Xuba
15 Dexleen Dewa
15 Runyaruro Moshore 29 Raython Wabanie
15 Mechaan Arendse
16 Kayleigh May 16 Sheraz Delport 31 Zubenathi Williams
19 Gabriel Thys 16 Tyron Roman
21 Yulynne Alexander 19 Sasha-lee Davids
22 Cayden Olivier 22 Jonica Booysen
22 Roxanne Kretschmann 27 Antonisha Van Wyck
24 Grace Hendrickse
25 Geraldine Louw
25 Erin Adams December
25 Asheeqah Lopez
26 Ruje Pluim 1 Requelmey Lee Williams
27 Siyamthanda Blouw 5 Itha Mantyi
30 Shameerah Krigga
 Thank you!
Thank you Bart Aelterman for helping us set up a new Born in Africa congratulates Maaike and Geert on their 20th
database after the previous one crashed! You’re amazing! wedding anniversary and thanks them for supporting Born in
Africa with their party to celebrate. Thank you for helping us
Thank you Oom Harry for providing an inverter at the provide pyjama’s to all our kids!
study hall of Wittedrift High! The International School of St John’s has been supporting
Born in Africa for many years and in 2023 we could count on
The Africa market organised by them to help us with the blanket donations to our 350
MKC Montijn was a huge suc- children. Also a big thank you goes to Kiwanis Kortenberg
cess! Thank you to all learners, FV for the help towards the blanket dream!
teachers and Chantal as the
thriving force! Thanks to you we Thank you Movies Smart for your generous donation toward
have 2 inverters, personal maths our tertiary student Abigail G. F. Rigo, Born in Africa is grate-
books for 220 kids and lots of ful for your amazing contribution!
basketballs, netballs and puzzles.
We thank Neos Leuven for having Jaak Leenknegt for a
presentation on Born in Africa and for the wonderful donation
BIA Meetjesland organised yet another fundraiser in aid
that followed!
of Born in Africa. A delicious gathering took place on 18th
June where the team offered a delicious braai in aid of the Chantal Van Summeren, thank you for providing all boys
classroom Born in Africa will build at Wittedrift High. from grade 7 in The Crags with a school tie!
We are grateful to the lovely Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for Kevin
couple Anna and Patrick who Pocock who joined our 20th birthday celebrations earlier this
make and sell their traditional jams year. Kevin founded the Jade Pocock Foundation in honour
year after year. Thank you for al- of his late wife and has already organised the first fundraiser.
ways supporting BIA! We appreci- We are grateful for your support toward the Born in Africa
ate everything and thanks to you a classroom at Wittedrift High!
lot of children are kept warm this We are grateful for the UK supporters of Born in Africa
winter in their cozy pyjama’s! who continuously support us and sponsor several projects
throughout the year. Thank you!
Sint- Lodewijk College in Bruges, thank you for having
Georges and Jaak earlier this year and for choosing Born The rebuilding of Mary-Jane and Elizay’s house were high-
in Africa as your solidarity project. We are looking forward lighted earlier in this newsletter. We just want to take the time
to working together for the coming three years! to thank the sponsors of this special project; Adelheid, Am-
ber, Yenthé, Jane and Alan, Koen and Sabine Vlemincx!
Happy birthday to Magda Melkebeke and thank you for Thank you for your donations and support: NA Verheyen, F.
requesting presents to be donations for our pyjama drive. Somers, F. Dooms and F. Muens.
Dirk Kesteloot we wish you many happy and healthy We appreciate the support from Suzy over the past years
years to enjoy your retirement and thank you for the dona- tremendously. Thank you for your donations to BIA’s medical
tions towards the pyjama drive to celebrate this milestone! project!

Nicole Catteeuw and Agnetencollege thank you for rais-

ing money for the five scooters and balls at the BIA centre!
Thank you for the monthly donations: J. and M. Van Den Eynde-Lemmens, L. De Smet,
Verheecke G. and C., T. and J. Bogaert-Verlinden, H. De Schouwer, M. Van Damme, M.
Moers- Scheepmans, G. and S. Vandermaliere, L. Van Der Linden, H. Vermeersch, E.
Vyncke, R. Flamand, Y. Vandenabeele, Hollanders, J. and W. Wechuys, L. Danielle, L.
Bostyn, H. Meersseman, N., G. Lenaerts-Van Opstal, Familiepraktijk Goossens-Maes, M.
Asselberghs, P. Hendriks, Vanoppen-Indesteege, I. Bracke, A. Lemmens, J. en J. Van
Holsbeke, M. Verhagen, R. De Rycke, J. Beke, Karel Uytersprot, I. Vincke
Thank you Corporate companies for the tertiary study funds!
MiM VZW MABO
Come and celebrate the 20 year celebration in
Lebbeke, Belgium with us on 27th August!
For more information or enquiries, feel free to contact
us on info@borninafrica.org
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE FOOD DONATIONS: Woolworths and KwikSpar
Would you like to give the gift that keeps on giving? You may also add Born
in Africa in your will or make a donation. Even when you’re gone, you can make
the difference to the education of a BIA godchild! If Born in Africa is a project close
to your heart, you might consider putting it in your will. That way, you give Born in
Africa, as an accepted organisation, a firm push in the back, even after your pas-
sing. During your life it is also possible to make an unlimited donation to BIA. For
both cases, the Flemish legislator, if your domiciling in Flanders, will ensure that the
good cause of your choice will pay no (= 0%) gift tax on whatever it receives from
your will or through a donation. Those living in Brussels or Wallonia, the common
tariff of 7% remains for both gifts as for (duo)legacy.
To evaluate your own situation in depth, kindly contact your notary or Jaak
Leenknegt at BIA (jaak.leenknegt@gmail.com)

Thank you for all your donations: N. De Buyser, Van Den Goor-Geens, C. Verheyen, Van Roey-Wuyts, R. Vanden Driessche, A. Cogghe, H.Hartinstituut
Annuntiaten Com.voor Onderwijs, R. & U. Vereeken-Verhulst, St.-John’s International School, Moving Smart BVBA, Van Den Goor-Geens, H. Dewitte, C.
Oomen, C. Van Summeren, G. Wille, Van Caeneghem-Joosten, Pintens-Van Pachtebeke, L. Zaman, Agnetencollege, C. Stommels, F. Kennes, A. Marrant, N.
De Buyser, Rotary Club Gent-Zuid, JP. Ureel, I. Vincke, Seeuws Verzekeringen Bv, H. Vanhoutte, J. Demyttenaere, Grauwzusters-Franciscanessen, J. & M.
Neven-Duchateau, L. Loncke, Devroye-Declercq, Kiwanis Kortenberg FV, Van Den Bulcke, M. & B. Lampaert-De Smedt, A. & J. Decraemere, J. Vande-
pontseele, E. Dewit-Vanhaelen, B. Ruelens, J. & C. Leenknegt-Lernout, M. & E. Meyfroots-Verplaetsen, M. Deraemaeker, A. & E. Soors-Obreno, J. Vande-
pontseele, A. Spiritus, Vander Plaetse-Chielens, J. & K. De Spiegelaar-Hermans, J. Vancauwenbergh, W. Van Vaerenbergh, A. Mercken, W. & M. Neven-Vaes,
M. & L. Theys-Vanden Begin, W. & K. Peeters-Van Herpe, F. Vanfroyenhoven, Taes-Vandersteen, E. Vancolen, K. Sermijn, Vander Plaetse-Verhelle, P. Mollet,
J. & L. Kempeneers-Neven, S. & Y. Van De Poel-Durinckx, J. & A. Vlaeminck-Pauwels, S. & F. Van Den Broeck, D. Amourette, Boon-Vandebeeck, Dr. Devloo
Oogarts BVB, Apotheek St. Joris NV, Dr.Geens, Vander Plaetse-De Laere, Peeters-Goffin, Goffin-Van Kerschaver, Van Vaerenbergh-Van Gyseghem, A. Wey-
tjens, M. Vanvolsem, V. Hermans, L. & H. Devlieger-Vergauwen, E. Mennens, Ozgur Kavakli Gul, V. Delbart, Lulia Neagu, O. Giovannini, M. Bartk Linkowski,
AM. Dub, A. Piana, O. Bonacini, Jones-Bartik, K. Kesteloot, A. Gallen, L. Blancquaert, S. Apostolia, L. Blancquaert, AM & P. Spaey, A. Krolikowska, L. & D.
Kesteloot, V. Dumitrescu, M. Golder, R. Blancquaert, Bremer Speditionskontor, Fritz Brüll GmbH, K. Thiel, F. & A. Kesteloot-Camerlynck, P. Kaklamanos, I.
Vanier-Mainil, K. Sitkowska, RG. Gheorghescu (donations till 6 July)
 Born in Africa overseas news
Born in Africa’s birthday party
th
27 August 2023 Lebbeke, Belguim
Born in Africa invites the whole family, all its friends, godparents and sponsors for a birthday party! 20 years is a
long time and will be celebrated with a delicious braai (South African BBQ). Isabelle will be there and we hope to
see many of you too! You are welcome at Wines De Smet, Baardegemsestraat 41, 9280, Lebbeke (Belgium)
from 2pm onwards. We have some surprises in store too so make sure you book your spot now by mailing
Georges on georges.de.smul@gmail.com. We hope to see you there to celebrate together the success Born in
Africa has become over the past 20 years!

We have two new board members we would like to present to you!

First up is Kevin Pocock, brand new trustee and board member at the UK supporters of Born in
Africa. Kevin became part of the Born in Africa family after he raised lots of funds in honour of
his late wife who passed suddenly and who felt very connected to the communities around
Plett. Kevin joined the UK board and is excited about this new adventure, "I’m happy to share
that I’m starting a new position as Member of the Board of Trustees at Born in Africa UK! It is
such an honour to be working closely with Born in Africa. Let’s raise some money for these
brilliant kids!"
We are also proud to announce a great, young, creative and skilful addition to the board in
Belgium. Meet Jolien Nijs! Jolien was a volunteer at Born in Africa in 2014 and remained in-
volved afterwards by designing our invitations for Born in Africa’s birthday celebrations in
Belgium. Jolien is also the creative mastermind behind the lovely illustrations in our book! Get
your copy by ordering now on borninafricaboek.com. Welcome and thank you, Jolien!
We want to conclude this newsletter with a wonderful quote from our honoured members and godparents in The
Netherlands, Kees en Kitty Van Helbergen. “After getting to know Born in Africa in 2007, we became godparents
and saw our first godchild graduate recently. During the celebrations for the 20th birthday of BIA, she addressed
more than 100 sponsors and thanked all who made it possible for her to study, which was quite emotional for my
husband and I. She is now a qualified teacher and it’s great to be involved with BIA, where you know your money
is well invested in the children’s future and their professional staff is always there for the children.”

Donor info is a public foundation specialising in the financial transparency of charities

established in Belgium. It is the first independent website that publishes high quality, objective
and verified information about the activities and resources of charity organisations. ‘Born in
Africa’ is registered with Donorinfo and you can thus make a donation in full confidence.

Service clubs, companies, schools, seniors clubs and others interested: If you would like to organise something for ‘Born in
Africa’, contact Georges De Smul or Remi De Backer. They will be more than happy to visit you and give an informative talk!
Sign up for our newsletter on our website if you don’t receive them via e-mail yet; www.borninafrica.org and subscribe!

This edition was lovingly compiled by Nadine Mampaey, Nele Schroyen, Véronique Claes,
Emma Irvine, Belinda Coram & Isabelle De Smul–Brink

How to become involved?

Liaison in Belgium Liaison for Belgium and South Africa Norway
South Africa Toralf Nordbotten
Isabelle De Smul–Brink
Arlette & Georges De Smul toralfn@online.no
Lieve & Remi De Backer P.O. Box 1674
R. Dalechamplaan 4
remidebacker@icloud.com Plettenberg Bay 6600 Germany
1200 Brussels, Belgium Dr. Reinhard Schydlo
South Africa
RPR Brussel rschydlo@icloud.com
georges.de.smul@gmail.com Cell: +32 (0) 47 528 3873 Tel: +27 (0) 44 533 6271
Cell: +32 (0) 49 612 2361 Cell: +27 (0) 82 857 2345 Netherlands
isabelle@borninafrica.org Chantal Van Summeren
cvansummeren@hotmail.com
United Kingdom
Nick & Penny Brooks Corporate fundraiser
nickandpenny@borninafrica.org Jaak Leenknegt
Donations are needed and always welcome! jaak.leenknegt@gmail.com
In Belgium: Iban nr. BE38 3632 2998 0572
ING Bank, BIC-code: HBKABEBB Visit our Facebook page: Born in Africa
In South Africa: First National Bank, Plettenberg Bay Instagram: borninafricaza &
62044941533, branch code: 210514
Tax exemption in Belgium (from €40) & in South Africa! ANBI status our website: www.borninafrica.org
in The Netherlands You will be amazed by our work!