V O L U M E 5 1

Newsletter M A Y 2 0 2 1

2021 – shining bright

Congratulations, already!
BIA– graduates!

With such awesome smiles from our Wittedrift High girls, how could the year not start off on a
positive note! (Left to right: Tatum Terblanche, Cheinique Seedat and Zoe Willemse)

We are looking for Each year our Born in Africa team sets up shops in the communities we work within and the massive uniform
new godparents to drive commences. Each child in the programme arrives to receive his or her full school uniform, back pack
support more and stationery. A total of 350 primary and high school children from The Crags (Kurland), Green Valley
children (Wittedrift), Harkervillle, Kwanokuthula, New Horizons and Kranshoek.

More information to We are normally blessed with our trusty international volunteers who assist us as this is no small task,
become however, things worked differently this year. We received such gracious sponsorship from our Meetjesland
a godparent: team who sponsored the Plettenberg Bay Secondary and Wittedrift High school ties. Besides their school
uniforms, our children received T-shirts and winter jackets from the Thuishulp Oost-Vlaanderen organisation;
www.borninafrica.org see them sporting in red below! More than 150 were donated to the lucky recipients.

During the uniform hand outs, many Born in Africa children also received personal gifts sent to them for
Christmas by their godparernts. This just added to their grateful smiles depicted here. We are so humbled and
grateful by how successful our uniform project was executed, even though there were less helping hands than
previous years. Thank you to all the sponsors and Born in Africa staff for making this a huge success.

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.
 Tertiary student bursaries
Belinda Coram, our Academic Coordinator,
and her year thus far commencing with 34 tertiary students and 46 Wittedrift High learners

We sat down and had a chat with Academic Coordina- The writing of the group sessions is also a task which I
tor Belinda Coram who joined Born in Africa in 2007- really enjoy and we normally choose a theme related to
that’s 14 years ago! the development of our children, issues they deal with on
a daily basis in their community or as now; the Covid-19
pandemic.
I mentioned that I mentor the Wittedrift High children and
the selection process is stringent to ensure the best
quality instead of quantity attending the school. This year
we have 57 grade 7 learners and we are only able to give
out 7 bursaries for Wittedrift High school (see picture
under the testing day). They must maintain an aggregate
of 70% pass in their final year of primary school. When
they’re in grade 7, various language and mathematics
tests are conducted and only then, 7 students are
selected.

Lorna Simonki, 3rd year tertiary student studying

Psychology, with her mentor Belinda
“Firstly, it’s such a privilege to work for such an honorable
organisation, helping so many young people overcome
personal obstacles and reach their dreams, both
personally but definitely also on an academic level.
I do this by constantly communicating with our tertiary
students. More specifically, on a Friday via an email report
which they send to me and I respond then, on most days Wittedrift High school learners attend the weekly boarding
via WhatsApp. This method works extremely well as they school where they get ample time to study under
feel they can be assisted almost immediately. supervision, get three healthy meals a day and live in a
Before the students start studying, I conduct career clean environment. I also live on the premises of the
school which gives me the advantage of really being able
to look after these children in the capacity of their
caregiver as they are not near their family during the week
while they attend school. We encourage these children to
participate in sports and cultural extra mural activities.
Our Wittedrift High students are also
encouraged to save for the future
and we do this by setting up savings
accounts for them. We currently sup-
port an incredibly dedicated group,
Micail Booysen, left, first year tertiary student despite Covid-19 and all its issues,
receiving her laptop. Veronic Davids, right, first year who have always kept their priorities
tertiary student receiving information about her on their school work. We are so
studies from Belinda. incredibly proud of all our Wittedrift
guidance with the high school children to determine which High and tertiary students and wish
career they are going to be studying. We assist them with them all the best for 2021!”
the applications to either university or college and then
prepare them for their new paths ahead. I am also mentor
to the Wittedrift High school children of which we currently
have 46. I meet with them almost on a daily basis after Thank you
school at the boarding school where they reside. Belinda for all
We discuss their daily academic progress and I assist your hard work
where there are issues. We work on group session themes during the past
and then also conduct individual counselling sessions. I like 14 years. You
to think of myself as their mother away from home! Since are a star!
the pandemic the school roster has changed quite a bit
which means the students come to school in a staggered Keep up the
fashion. I have adapted my programme accordingly. I also amazing,
assist with children who need medical attention whether it positive spirit!
be dental, optical or general medical issues.
 The daily running of our activities
Interview with Veronique Claes, our Education Coordinator, who is in charge of the after school activities, volun-
teers and interns, website and social media platforms, outings, camps and our very own Learn to Swim programme

There are no volunteers at the moment to assist me with all

this, which is also why camps, swimming classes and
outings are put on ice for now. Although I enjoy my current
adjusted activities and responsibilities, I really do miss the
volunteers and interns! Now more than ever, we realise
what a big help they are! I now also assist the mentors
when needed with administration, following up on children
or assisting with the Slimkoppe workbooks.

Born in Africa’s dream project is up and running which is

another project that I manage. Each month we realise two
dreams which is so special to our children. Last year, a
sponsor from Switzerland contacted me and I was so happy
when they chose to support the dream project as lots of
other fundraising events that usually sponsor the dreams
have been cancelled.

In the past year so much has changed and it made me

Hi Veronique, how long have you been affiliated with reconnect with one of my favourite hobbies, reading, which
Born in Africa? I came to Born in Africa for the first time in is why I made it my mission to motivate the Born in Africa
2012 to complete my internship. I stayed at the volunteer children to read more too. In March, I rewarded the ten top
house for six months and worked at the old Kranshoek readers to a book shopping experience where they got to
school. I fell in love with the country and Born in Africa and handpick books from the library. It was so much fun to see
returned in 2014 as a volunteer. In 2016 I was which books they prefer and being able to purchase the
approached by Isabelle to join the organisation permanently ones they want for them to read this year. Our library at the
as the Education Coordinator. I didn’t hesitate for a second Kranshoek centre is such draw card for the children who
and gave up my job in Belgium to leave for South Africa a also can’t seem to get enough of reading these days. I take
few months later! In July this year, it’s been five years since a lot of joy when I see kids of all ages are coming to the
I started working at Born in Africa full time and I’m still Born in Africa library to borrow books and hope we can
enjoying every bit of it. keep it running for many more years!

Your schedule is so busy; what do you manage at Born

in Africa? I organise the extra curricular activities at the
different Born in Africa centres and classrooms, oversee the
volunteers’ activities and coach the international interns.
Before Covid-19, I used to run Learn to Swim, Born in
Africa’s swimming programme, twice a year. Every week, I
manage the PR programme and social media division of
Born in Africa. The website and all social media platforms
are updated by me!

Currently things are a little complicated, not for you

though as you have managed to streamline a new
system; tell us about that. “Covid-19 did change things
quite a bit … the children join us at the centres throughout
the day per a set schedule as they don’t attend school full
time. During their Born in Africa classes, they improve their
English, Mathematics and reading skills via online educa- What do you think 2021 will bring in Karen
terms ofKaren
changes
tional programmes on the computers. In Kranshoek I over- in your activities? I hope from the bottom of my heart that
Karen
the interns and volunteers will be able to join our team again
see more than 50 children’s progress on an online home
schooling programme called MobyMax. The primary and in the last term of 2021. That way, we will be able to
high school children in Wittedrift and The Crags practice organise more diverse activities for our children and we can
English and Maths via IXL, another wonderful online teach a group of primary school learners to swim too. In
tool! To streamline this, we added an additional 15 tablets these uncertain times, I take every week as it comes and
for all children to have access to these online education- adjust my activities as
al programmes. needed. Knowing that Born
in Africa does whatever it
High school learners know they can always approach me takes for its children, even
about any computer related questions. I assist them in in a pandemic, is the best
setting up personal email addresses, making a CV, how to motivation!
do online research and use programmes such as Word and
PowerPoint. I believe these are crucial skills for young Thank you Veronique for all
people entering the job market and hope we’re increasing your dedication towards
their chances of obtaining a good job by teaching them Born in Africa. You are do-
these now. ing amazing work! (Picture of
Veronique taken in 2012).
 Rita Huysman cultural & sports centre
Born in Africa is bringing cultural and sport activities to Kranshoek thanks to Daniel Revyn and his late wife Rita
Huysman. Thanks to a very generous donation from Daniel Revyn and his new partner Marie Rose, we were able
to build this new centre which will host several and cultural and sports classes once finished. We can’t wait for
the official opening!

It’s been a long time coming but finally the “Rita Huysman Cultural and Sports Centre” is being built!
Covid-19 delayed many steps of the building but finally things are happening!
The realisation of this new centre would not have been possible if it weren’t for Daniel Revyn and his wife Marie Rose,
who donated an amazing sum toward this building, after the passing of his late wife, Rita Huysman. Therefore, the official
name of this building will be the “Rita Huysman Cultural & Sports Centre”. We can not express how grateful we are for
your support!

Thanks to amazing sponsorship from our Swiss team, Gabriele and Katrin Bacciarini and Stichting Kinderen Voorop,
we could purchase soccer goals and basketball / netball hoops. Needless to say, they were an instant big hit with our
children! The excitement was so big that they started shooting ball before any fencing was put up, resulting in many lost
balls. Thanks to Gabriele and Katrin for sorting this problem out by sponsoring a proper and safe fence around our new
premises. Big thanks goes also to all the other donations for helping to buy the plot, the preparation of the ground etc. It is
fantastic to offer the children a space to enjoy sports safely once again at the Rita Huysman Cultural & Sports Centre!
The centre will offer additional space for mentors to work in groups and individually with their children but creates lots of
new possibilities as well. The spacious class is ideal for creative activities such as role play, drama, arts and crafts and
even dancing classes! Outside, children can enjoy the soccer and basketball / netball courts too. Since Covid-19, schools
are focussing solely on the educational development of the children and have cancelled all sports classes and events. We
notice this is a huge loss for our children as they love being active and often are very talented on the sports field! We thank
everyone involved in the funding and building of this new centre and adjacent sports field. The excitement is real and we
cannot wait to present the finished product to you … hopefully in the next edition of this newsletter!

Catherine’s classroom
By now we all know that due to Covid-19 we have had to make drastic changes in terms of our ways in which we
reach our children. The same applies to Kurland Village in The Crags where we work with a total of 115 children
from Gr 1 all the way through to Gr 12. We also have a number of tertiary students from the area as well. Now
thanks to a number of sponsors we have refurbished Catherine’s house to accommodate them!

When her husband Brian Schoeman passed away, Catherine our mentor in The Crags felt a huge emptiness in her life; her
home felt like an empty shell. Nothing to offer and nothing to come home to. At the same time we were struggling with
finding a suitable space to accommodate our Born in Africa learners. Afterall, even with Covid-19 our work has to continue.
Catherine was so gracious as to offer us the top floor of her house and we jumped right in and started constructing the attic
into an adequate space to host the children. As depicted in the pictures, our readers can now see the light open space
where we can host a number of children at a time. There are also bathrooms and Catherine utilises her kitchen to prepare
meals for the children on a daily basis.
It’s become such a happy environment and has not only changed
the lives of our children, but of Catherine’s as well. Thank you to
Sam Fuller– Sound of a smile foundation and Kiwanis Kortenberg
for your generous donation; this is a massive step forward!
 Covid-19 affects poverty
Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on the majority of the community we work within and we found that
hunger and the lack of financial resources were at the top of those affected. The Born in Africa team jumped into
action and thanks to our loyal sponsors we were able to provide hundreds of food parcels to all families we
work with. Although international tourism came to an immediate halt, the help never stopped!

A hungry child is a desperate child and this goes against the grain of what
we stand for. During the December school holidays we were incredibly
lucky to receive the most gracious donations toward providing food for our
Born in Africa families. Isabelle Brink set this plan into motion and food
was distributed thanks to our regular donors such as Woolworths Plett,
Kwikspar Beacon Way as well as bakery La Maison du Croissant.

As soon as our school year started, so did the Born in Africa food drive
where food parcels were assembled and distributed to all our families, not
once, but on several occasions. In fact, more than 350 food parcels were
distributed. Let’s not forget that every school day meals are prepared by
our staff and our children are fed at the centres where they attend their
classes. Bravo to Isabelle and her team!

Extra curricular activities

Plettenberg Bay is situated next to the ocean and Born in Africa favours the children enhancing their swimming
skills. With the very limited sporting activities being offered at school, our focus is to be in the water at the
moment! We are fortunate with different clubs in Plett and our children can train at a high level and participate in
club tournaments or even interclub and international competitions!

Surfing Nippers Adopt a swimmer

A total of 17 Born in Africa children Born in Africa has 12 children from Louise Auersperg, founder and
are learning to surf under the guid- Kranshoek who are members of the coach of Adopt A Swimmer, took 15
ance of surf master Clayton Bis- Development Nippers team. During of our Born in Africa children into
choff. Two of our learners, Avery the summer months they train on the her programme. Throughout the
Le Fleur and Jay Cee Christoffels, beach to improve their speed and year she teaches them confidence
were selected as part of the Eden strength by sprinting in the sand, in the water and the basics of
Team for the Gromm Games in practice rescue exercises in the water different swimming styles, in the
Cape Town with Avery ending 3rd and swim in the open ocean. outside and inside pools of Plett.
in the under 10’s!
 Meet our new mentor Ashdean
Born in Africa employs four mentors and each mentor works in a different area with a number of children
assigned to them. Ashdean Oosthuizen recently joined our team. We met with her to get her first impres-
sions and to find out more about her bubbly personality that the children love!

How did you first hear about Born in What are you
Africa? busy with at the
I used to work / volunteer at a moment?
similar organisation when I started my We are busy
teaching career and I heard about this finishing off the
Born in Africa through them. I always theme "Tuis rate"
wanted to make a difference in other which I myself
people’s lives so I did some research and the children
and read up about Born in Africa and really enjoyed as
what they do and how they operate. we are all aware
How they make children's dreams that we are going
come true and grant their wishes. through trying
When I saw an advert online that they times and
were looking for someone I knew I had learning these
to take my chance to be part of such a different methods and skills that you can equip yourself
dynamic team and help make a change. with to stay healthy and thriving was really meaningful
and we learned a lot from each other.
What did you do before you started working as a mentor?
When I finished my 1st year of my teaching course in 2014 I What would you like to see happen?
volunteered at Masizame part time and discovered my passion I would love to see for the children to be even more
for teaching, caring for others and my desire to make a change. involved and take every opportunity as a learning
After not getting a permanent job in teaching I started to work in opportunity, no matter how big or small. I would like to see
retail as a Sales Administrator for five years and in between I them progressing and be successful in everything they
completed a Diploma in Human Resources Management. do, as they are more fortunate than most children just by
being in the programme and by giving it their all they can
What do you like most about your job? rise even higher.
I love the fact that I am contributing to someone’s future and
that I can be a guidance for them to reach their dreams and Welcome to our team mentor Ash!
goals.

Happy birthday to you!

June 13 McCanda Sibongile 23 Dirkse Deon
1 Maghienda Laquno 15 Williams Desmay 23 Wildeman Loren Leslie
2 Cunningham Kelsey 19 Jacobs Akiefa 23 Mfiki Asemahle
3 Van Wyk Terence 23 Davids Camilla 24 Van Rooyen Emelichia
6 Lourens Breyten 26 Kretschmann Edward 25 Julie Demeka
8 Alexander Shakifa 27 Gysman Taireque 26 Rass Jolin
9 Oliphant Tamia Courtney 29 Booysen Keegan 27 Kam Mickyla
12 Jullies Shamilah 31 Julie Dezire 28 Oliphant Ashanti-Lee
13 De Waal Jay-R 31 Wildeman Ashlane 28 Van Rensburg Vio-nett
13 Willems Zoe 31 Williams Natasha 29 Jantjies Keelan
15 van Rooyen Regino 31 Lucas Leighthin
16 Classen Whitney August
18 Harker Athelia 1 Windvogel Kayden Josh September
19 Bewee Jonathan 2 Jacobs Camrin 3 Cloete Ragne Jamy-Lee
21 Arends Judith 2 Jansen Rohlene 6 Damons Ferlynn
21 Jansen Vernon 2 Kleinsmidt Ellen 9 Modise Keabetswe / Lizelle
22 Jantjies Bronwynne 4 Meyer Marius 12 Tarentaal Ashante
22 Janse Amy 5 Scholtz Luné 12 Titus Reinette
23 Van Wyk Delon 5 Tolbadi Sifiso 13 Barnard Tamryn
27 Cortje Ricardo 7 Willemse Exonia 13 Commins Dadrian
29 Jansen Adry 8 Gouws Abigail 13 Songongo Anesipho
11 Powie Rouvay 13 Stuurman Sandy
July 12 Quinch Estee 14 Vusani Lorna
2 Oliphant Matuschka 13 Arendse Chloe 14 Madolo Obuhle
4 Karnie Zoe Ezuraya 15 Japhta Miguel 16 Martins Jay-Lee
8 Bruiners Cleo - Lylah 16 Mkalipi Avuye 16 Patterson Robin
8 Woji Olungaka 17 Diedericks Amber 16 Smith Clyde-John
9 Majavie Ayesha 17 Mbopa Sixolile 19 Terblanche Tatum
9 Malgas Jayden 18 Davids Roxzane 20 Bernardo Quinique
10 Majavie Carly 19 Olivier Anastacia 29 Cloete Denrisha
11 Dirkse John-Ross Adam 19 Cedras Denzilene 26 Dawids Alexzean
12 Adams Jenny 20 Jacobs Meshay 27 Mccallum Ava
12 Andrews Nazario 21 Harker Caleb 27 Mkhubeni Ibenathi
13 Blaauw Casuraan 21 Olifant Kaylan 30 Makhale-Sotho Bokomoso
13 Ngam Athule 23 Baartman Lorenzo 30 Ruiters Raynisha
 Thank you!
Thank you, Innerwheel Waasland, for your ongoing A heartfelt ‘thank you’ goes out to The Sound of A Smile Program and
support to the kids’ personal homework books ! Sam Fuller, for the upgrade of our Crags class room, we really appreciate
We would like to thank Bart Aelterman, who updated Born in Africa’s your support!
Belgian database free of charge! Thanks to Sigrid de Munck, we can provide WiFi in Wittedrift’s class, so
George Faria and his wife Natali, managers at Plett’s local Spar super- those kids can do extra exercises online.
market, were incredibly generous by donating 100 pairs of school shoes Family Rabbijns, we appreciate your ongoing support for tertiary student
to us! Thank you! Tarric Davids, thanks!
BIA Meetjesland is unstoppable! At the start of the Lieve Platteau, your daughters, Jaak & Chris-
school year, we could provide all high school learners tine, thank you for making sure the more than 1000
with a school tie thanks to them. They also donated lots tax certificates were all professionally taken care of.
of clothing, soccer outfits and mouth masks. Lastly, we You rock!
wish to congratulate them with their very own website,
which looks incredible! Have a look: biameetjesland.be/ We thank the family of late Jo Verploegen Ewijk,
who raised money for computer classes in respect of his passing.
Thank you, Family Vandormael- Moermans for donating all baby
shower presents to our tertiary students! Thank you, Orde van Sint Jan van Jeruzalem, Hospitaalridders for your
generous donation and ongoing support!
We are grateful for ‘The Lloyd Family Trust’ who fully sponsors the
study bursaries of their two godchildren! Nick & Penny, beloved board members in the UK, thank you for your
Christmas present! Thanks to you, we can provide a WiFi connection in all
Former volunteer, Ulrike Verhulst, raised money for online educational Born in Africa class rooms!
profiles in Kranshoek, thank you! KBC bank, via godparent Marc Wouters, thank you for the amazing sup-
Thanks grandpa Harry for your annual support to the port in aid of the personal homework books for all primary school children!
computer classes. Many kids received an amazing Christmas gift in the form of toys and food
Amber Wittouck, who volunteered at Born in Africa, hand made parcels thanks to our team in The Netherlands. Chantal Van Summeren,
amazing post cards which she sold in support of the personal online Anneke, MKC Montijn, Jan Jacobs, Marie Jacobs, Marco v/d Bogaard,
profiles for our kids in The Crags. Thanks! Joep en Diederik Mes, Herman en Maria Kogelman, De Leeuwense Arend,
Thank you for your support towards our tertiary student studying IT and thank you for all your donations and support!
computer sciences, Comitor! Lions Club Ieper Poperinge, and Edwin Demuynck, thank you for spon-
Wijnhandel De Smedt BV Luc & Roger, congratulations on another soring personal homework books for our kids.
remarkably successful wine sale in aid of Born in Africa’s tertiary study Municipality of Lebbeke, thanks for the support for the study bursary
bursary! Thank you for everything! project and the food parcels! We also thank Marc Verhaegen for his dona-
Daniel & Marie Rose Revyn, we appreciate everything you’ve done tion to the study bursary fund!
and are very grateful for your contribution towards the Sports and Iris Vandevelde of the Vastenvoettocht, developed an ingenious Corona
Culture Centre, which will be named after the late Rita Huysman. Thank proof version of her annual project, to make sure she could still support
you. Born in Africa in these trying times. Thank you for your support to the per-
Monique & Dirk Maelstaf and Charles Verheyen, our kids loved their sonal homework books for our children of the primary school, Iris!
outing to the book store! Thank you for your donation to the library! We thank Lara Van Parijs, for the mouth masks, sanitising products and
We handed out lots of food parcels to all our families, thanks to the thermometers for all our educational centres.
support of Family Carr, Lut & Wim Van Damme and Municipality We are sad to announce the passing of Joep van Almenkerk, who was
Zottegem. one of the founding members of Born in Africa. Rest in peace, Joep.
Thank you for the monthly donations: THANK YOU FOR ALL THE FOOD DONATIONS: Woolworths, KwikSpar,
J. and M. Van Den Eynde-Lemmens, L. De Smet, Verheecke G. and C., T. and J. Bogaert- Nguni and La Maison du Croissant.
Verlinden, H. De Schouwer, M. Van Damme, M. Moers- Scheepmans, G. and S. Vandermal-
iere, L. Van Der Linden, H. Vermeersch, E. Vyncke, R. Flamand, Y. Vandenabeele, Hol-
landers, J. and W. Wechuys, L. Danielle, L. Bostyn, H. Meersseman, N. Hallegraeff, G.
Lenaerts-Van Opstal, Familiepraktijk Goossens-Maes, M. Asselberghs, P. Hendriks, Vanop- Put Born in Africa in your will or make a donation. Even when you’re gone, you
pen-Indesteege, I. Bracke, A. Lemmens, J. en J. Van Holsbeke, M. Verhagen, R. De Rycke, can make the difference to the education of a BIA godchild! If Born in Africa is a
J. Beke, project close to your heart, you might consider putting it in your will. That way, you
give Born in Africa, as an accepted organization, a firm push in the back, even after
your passing. During your life it is also possible to make an unlimited donation to
Thank you corporates
for the tertiary study BIA. For both cases, the Flemish legislator, if your domiciling in Flanders, will
funds! 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
MABO MiM VZW Inktco bvba Leenknegt at BIA ([email protected])

Thank you for your wonderful donations: H. en M. Adriansens-Deprez, M. & D. Maelstaf, C. Verheyen, OVAM Werking, Lionsclub Ieper-Poperinge, M. Sebrechts,
Haelvoetpharma BVBA, M. De Mol, L. Vynckier-Vandecasteele, Lefebvre-Dubois, B. Russell, Breynaert-Vanderstukken, Gemeentebestuur Lebbeke, J. Vrijders, Putman-
Knockaert, Mes-Schonau, R. & L. De Backer-Buytaert, M. Knockaert, B. Decroos, Vandenberghe-Lems, R. De Winter, D. & L. De Baere-De Pourcq, Reul-Debailleux, E. &
T. De Hertogh-De Smul, Van Den Dooren-Roffiaen, S. Nederhof, L. & G. De Coen, Van Heule-Van Cauwenberge, A. Van Hulle, N. De Smul, P. & L. Caes-Vinken, M.-A.
Henroz-Boedts, M. De Sutter, De Leeuwense Arend, G. Van Humbeek, C. Cailliau, Torrekens-Casier, R. Vandewalle, Staessens-Perdaen, L. Audenaert, N. Hermans, H.
& R. Kogelman, P. Demeester, J. Verspeelt, Vanbellinghen-Goes, A. Marrant, Brussel-Noord Oost VZW, H. Schouwenaars, Proost-Blockx, P. Beheyt, Mabo Priv St., K.
Heene, Van Den Goor-Geens, Van Eynde-Pauwels, J. Beke, F. & B. Afschrift-De Smul, W. & N. Van Daele-Van Der Linden, P. & A. De Vleeschouwer-Willems, P. Goes,
Van Caeneghem-Joosten, W. Van Damme, R. Jackers, Van Quaethem-De Smul, G. & A. De Smul, G. & R. Leenknegt-Brouckaert, Stadsbestuur Zottegem, Montessoris-
chool, H. & R. Kogelman, L. Zaman, M. Martens, I. Callens, H. Van Gogh, Gemeentebestuur Wachtebeke, Schuil-Schuil, M. Verhagen, C. Van Den Bulcke, F. Anahnah,
Van de Walle, C. Debuysscher, N. De Buyser, Crokaerts-Bogaerts, P. Igosse-Lelie, N. De Buyser, A. Rigo, Van Nuffel-Verwimp, Ginetta AG, C. Verheyen, Wijnhandel De
Smedt BV, A. De Latter, C. Van Hyfte, L. Welvaert, E. De Schepper, De Rycke-Roeland, Riebbels-Paesbrugge, Lampaert-Van Haute, T. Brunin, Van Mosselvelde-Buyens,
Gemeentebestuur Wachtebeke, A. Lombart, A. Venmans, J. & G. Van Opstal-Vergauwen, JP I &D Services BV, E. D Hauwer, R. Vanhaerents, Coolman-Venmans, Ghys-
De Zeeuw, G. Maude, J. Bogaerts, V. Toye, D. Penninck, Meyers-Koller, J. Becstedde, M. Van Bocstal, J. & H. Van Leemputten-De Baets, H. De Clerck, R. Le Boudec, C.
& R. Delesie, L. Brichau, L. Hellings, P. Debognies, W. De Greef, B. Moons, P. Timmers, E. De Bruyne, J. & C. Leenknegt-Lernout, R. Pote, K. Vanhaerents, T. Goossens,
E. Caroes, Pote-Denys, A. Vervaet, L. & K. Spittael-Lataire, Ipsos NV, T. & M. Waerniers-De Wulf, Moors-Peleman, Vercaigne-Keersmaekers, A. Maes, S. Leysen BV, M.
Meul, Paeshuys-Verellen, K. De Greef, E. Nieuwejaers, Vandenbranden-Springael, A. Devloo, A. Vergauwen, A. Venmans, A. Verschuere, I. Delannoy, L. Smismans, P. &
N. Venmans—Lie, M. Demoor, P. De Grave, Konings-Van Dongen, Avau-De Wit, K. Van Winghe, A. Egwin, J. Van Roy, B. Van Den Bosch, S.Younes, G. Delens, K.
Taveirne, T. Pooters, S. Demunter, M. & K. Verlinden-Druyts, J. Devloo, A. Schuurmans, Van Den Bosch-Romain, A. De Raeve BV, S. Vermunicht, D. Maes BV, P. & N.
Flandrin, Vermunicht-Joye, Malesevic-Ceuppens, J. Vander Meylen, S. Naert, L. & H. Vergauwen, P. Moons, K. Vanden Berghen, S. Geysen, F. Blanckaert, A. Bosmans,
K. Devloo, N. Ramon, K. Peeters, K. Decock, De Bruycker-Pollers, E. Vergauwen, K. Vanbesien, Debbaut-Vanhaerents, Degreve-Raes (donation received before 6/4/’21)
 Running for the online classes
Renier Vanhaerents, a Born in Africa legend
of a very special kind! This young man ran
no less than two (2!) marathons in aid of
Born in Africa’s online classes.
Renier finished in under 10 hours of running,
with lots of support from his girlfriend and
friends that accompanied him along the way
and encouraged him throughout both
marathons (42km 195 m each). During his
intensive training schedule before this huge
challenge, Renier motivated a lot of people to
sponsor him and sponsorship went toward
online classes for Born in Africa. Thanks to all
these amazing donations we could purchase 15
new tablets! These enable children in all “This will help us tremendously”,
communities around Plett to learn via different says General coordinator Isabelle
educational online tools. Thank you Renier! De Smul-Brink.

Our dream team!

As mentioned before in this newsletter we saw lots of fundraising events being cancelled in 2020 and again this year.
Our Dream in Africa project relies almost solely on these fundraisers and donations from international visitors. We are
happy and relieved to inform you that despite this loss, joining Jane and Alan Bradly, a new sponsor joined the dream
team who will enable us to make lots and lots of dreams come true in 2021!
Swiss design and technology company Ginetta, headed by Melis Ronneberger, approached us in December 2020 bearing an
amazing Christmas present from their employees … they offered to make contributions to Born in Africa in aid of the Dream in
Africa project. Now a few months later we have received their incredibly generous donations. All employees have selected the
dream(s) they would like to make come true AND wrote a personal message to each and every child. It has been amazing to see
how giving and involved Melis and her employees have been with the Dream in Africa and we can’t wait to make those first
dreams come true! Stay tuned as lots of updates on this project will be posted on our social media platforms in the weeks and
months to come. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and be sure to check out our website regularly too. Thank you Ginetta
AG for your incredible support and engagement to make dreams come true!

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 newsletter was compiled by Emma Irvine, Nadine Mampaey, Nele Schroyen,
Veronique Claes, Belinda Coram & Isabelle De Smul–Brink

Would you like to get involved?

Contact people in Belgium Contact people between South Africa Norway
Belgium and South Africa Isabelle De Smul–Brink Toralf Nordbotten
Arlette & Georges De Smul [email protected]
Lieve & Remi De Backer P.O. Box 1674
R. Dalechamplaan 4
[email protected] Plettenberg Bay 6600 Germany
1200 Brussels, Belgium
Cell: +32 (0) 47 528 3873 South Africa Dr. Reinhard Schydlo
RPR Brussel
[email protected] Tel: +27 (0) 44 533 6271 [email protected]
Cell: +32 (0) 49 612 2361 Cell: +27 (0) 82 857 2345 Netherlands
[email protected] Chantal Van Summeren
[email protected]
United Kingdom Corporate fundraiser
Nick & Penny Brooks Jaak Leenknegt
[email protected] [email protected]
Donations are always welcome!

In Belgium: Iban nr. BE 25 8845 03500182 Have a look at our Facebook page: Born in Africa
ING Bank, BIC-code: HBKABE22 & our website: www.borninafrica.org
In South Africa: First National Bank, Plettenberg Bay Tax exemption in Belgium (from €40) & in South Africa!
62044941533, branch code: 210514 ANBI status in The Netherlands