V O L U M E

Newsletter
3 4 A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

”Thank you Jef, I love my new bicycle!”

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Jef Michielsen and his partner Danielle are true Born in Africa heroes! Jef raised funds in Belgium to equip
the Born in Africa learners with bicycles and his dream was realised when he visited the Born in Africa project
in June of this year. Isabelle Brink together with Jef, Danielle and Born in Africa’s education coordinator
Karien Malan visited the schools where we work and delivered 50 beginner bikes, complete with detachable
training wheels. There he also created a cycling course which aided in teaching learners to ride a bike, taught
them rules of the road as well as personal safety. The children were in heaven with these brand new bicycles!

His generous sponsorship also ensured that 40 Born in Africa students received their own personal bicycles
as part of the Born in Africa Dream in Africa project. Dreams really came true with these students whose eyes
could not believe it when they saw their shiny new bicycles for the first time!

Born in Africa recently organised a math times tables competition and, also thanks to Jef, we were able to
ensure that 14 bikes were given out as prizes to the winners. What a brilliant initiative this has been, an
unforgettable memory which will go down in the history books of Born in Africa!

On the left Jef is leading the Grade 1 children of the Wittedrift Primary School. Centre Jef and Danielle visit Plett
Sport Shop where all bicycles, pumps, repair kits, helmets & locks were purchased.
On the right Kranshoek Primary recipients of their “Dream bikes”

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 1st graduate paying it forward!
Words of gratitude from Shenise Stuurman
Thanks to Born in Africa’s assistance, Shenise laude in April 2014.Then I went to NMMU Port Elizabeth to
Stuurman has completed her studies and is now study my Bachelor of Technology degree in Business
proudly assisting us at the Born in Africa office with Management and despite all the difficulties I experienced, I
administration, her way of giving back, until she seeks passed my degree cum laude and was identified as part of
permanent employment. These are her words which we the top 15% achievers in my field of study. Born in Africa
would like to share with our readers: - paid for all my expenses while I attended university for four
years. I am grateful for all that the organisation did for me
Hello everyone at Born in Africa, and I encourage all the students of Born in Africa to do their
This letter is to everyone at Born in Africa, the sponsors, best and make the organisation proud. Thank you Born in
mentors, godparents and volunteers. I don't know how I will Africa; your contribution to my life made a world of
ever be able to thank you, but for now all I have are these difference. I am a qualified and educated young lady and its
words. A few years ago, I was in primary school and I was all thank to you and our Heavenly Father.
accepted in to the Born in Africa programme and wondered
what it was all about. I never in a million years could have All my love,
dreamt that they would do all this for me. Born in Africa Shenise
helped me through school with school uniform, stationery
and mentorship classes and when I finished high school they
sent me to university. I went to study a diploma in Business
Management at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
(NMMU) Saasveld for three years and did very well. I
received merit awards for all three years I attended the
Saasveld campus and graduated with my diploma cum

Asanda Gigi takes first prize!

Asanda Gigi, South Cape College achiever for 2014 where

student in Oudtshoorn, is in her third year she received an average
where she is studying a diploma in Safety in of 84%.
Society. In May this year she attended a
gala function in George where she was She is also the school
awarded two diplomas. One was for “Top student representative.
Achiever” in her school for Mathematics. Splendid Asanda - you
The other award she received was for top set the bar high for others
to follow!

Attention godparents, sponsors ...

Our academic level is on the increase!
Since its establishment, Born in Africa has come a very long
way and we have learnt much as we progressed. As our
valuable sponsors and friends, it is important that we share
with you some of the positive changes which we have made
in order to work more efficiently.
We follow stricter selection criteria and this has lead to
outstanding scholars within the programme. This year we
have sixteen learners in Gr7 (the year before high school)
with averages above 70%. This proves that our level of
educational excellence has improved positively. This
number will only increase in the future, proving that the
students in Born in Africa want to excel in life and we are
here to assist them in achieving their goals. This obliviously
means that our students will also require additional funding
to enter their tertiary studies. To overcome this hurdle we
need to increase our sponsors per child which means that
more godparents will contribute on a yearly basis to a Our grade 8 girls welcoming their first Autumn at WH
student’s education. We call this our co-godparent
programme. So far we have 400 children to a ratio of 625 When students reach Gr9 in South Africa they are not
godparents which also proves that our focus is in the right lawfully obliged to remain at school and Born in Africa
place. We encourage more sponsors to become co- students need to re-apply to the Born in Africa programme
godparents to ensure that the children get the chance they demonstrating they are still motivated to remain in the
so rightfully deserve such as attending excellent schools and programme. This way we can streamline the learners in high
tertiary institutions. school to a manner in which we know these learners want to
go far in life.
 Visit from Holland!
Welcome Chantal, our Born in Africa Chairman from Holland
Chantal Van Summeren came to South Africa in
2003 as a volunteer. She helped at the Crags Primary
School and gave her heart to the local community. With
her passion to help she decided to fundraise for the
Kurland Village community and in order to ensure the
monies raised was spent in the most beneficial way,
she linked up with Born in Africa. In conjunction with
many other volunteers she set up the Dutch Born in
Africa team which has been going strong ever since.
In May, we were excited and privileged to have Chantel
and her friend Jan Jacobs visit us at Born in Africa.
They visited various of our projects currently running to
see where the needs are. Chantal returned to Holland
and inspired lots of learners to help with the fundraising
for different projects.

As a result, Kurland Soccer Club received new soccer

boots, socks and shin pads. Twenty five girls attended a
three day hockey clinic where they learnt to play
hockey. We were able to build two new homes for two
Born in Africa families. The drama and computer
classes will commence in term three and we are able to
install much needed internet at the Wittedrift High
hostel. A lot more can be done with the funds that were
raised with this brilliant initiative.

Dream in Africa
It all starts with a dream...

This wonderful project was founded in March 2013. Currently we realise two dreams per month.
Here is a glimpse of dreams already realised for 2015

February 2015 – Wetsuits for Nippers children June 2015 – Bicycle dream
March 2015 – Sports material June 2015 – Soccer kit
March 2015 – Bedding July 2015 – Girl stuff
April 2015 – Rollerblades and skateboards July 2015 – Winter clothing for 20 children
April 2015 – Canopy tour August 2015 – Hockey dream
May 2015 – School supplies August 2015 – Two rooms built on
May 2015 – Cupboards

Thanks to the Buckinghamshire Born in Africa Charity Golf Day for making so many of these
dreams come true! Also to Chantel Van Summeren, Maaswaal College, The Triangel and Jef
Michielsen for making dreams come true — together we can make a difference!
 Born in Africa education programmes
Kumon Maths
A total of 10 learners are taking part in a specialised
mathematics programme called Kumon. The programme is
intensive with daily exercises and children attending extra
lessons twice a week. It is wonderful to see their improved
self-esteem, concentration skills, discipline and an
improvement in their school grades!
Additional Maths for Grade 8
Learners are faced with new challenges when they move
from primary school to high school. In addition, sometimes
difficult school environments also prohibit optimum learning.
Born in Africa decided to give learners extra support with a
subject that is often unpopular and misunderstood -
mathematics!

The classes take

place after school
where learners build
on basic arithmetic
and mathematical
competency and
have the oppor-
tunity to ask
questions regarding
what is currently
being covered in the
curriculum.

Maths Tables Competition Homework Classes

Mathematical literacy is so important and often something
that is undervalued by our youth today. Born in Africa
decided to inspire learners to practice their multiplicative
skills through a times table competition. Practice began on a
regular basis in the weeks leading up to the competition. On
the 30th of July 2015, the best learners from each school out
of each category where selected to take part in the final
competition at Wittedrift High. In the first round they all took a
written test and the top three in each age group were
selected to go through to the next round where they verbally
answered as many questions as possible in 1 minute.
Needless to say, the atmosphere was electric!
Born in Africa homework classes are an essential part of the
support system we create on an educational level for
younger learners. Here, they are given extra support with
school work, take part in creative activities and have an
opportunity to build life skills. Leaners also develop social
skills as they interact with one another in a variety of
contexts. This term these homework classes were given by
Karien Malan.

Choir and drama Needlework

Born in Africa’s choir in Wittedrift have matured and are
learning new songs, being exposed to different aspects of
music and, in so doing, are nurturing a greater passion and
appreciation for music while gaining musical literacy.
In the Crags, Born in Africa’s Karien Malan also started a
drama and public speaking programme where the learners
are aiming toward having a performance piece ready for our
parent meetings. These classes are always a lot of fun and
allow learners to step out of comfort zones a little in a safe
and creative environment.
The knitting and needlework classes are building skills in the
children attending that will last a lifetime. This class is still
being run by Born in Africa volunteers Amanda Allum and
Marie-Anne Marais. Their enthusiasm and passion for what
they do is clearly contagious.
The projects vary and it is great to see results throughout the
programme. Thank you for your continued effort and
determination to make a difference even in difficult
circumstances.
 Born in Africa Activities
Holiday Outings Hockey Development Clinic
During the winter holiday, 130 learners who live in
Sport is a great tool to build a
Kranshoek and Harkerville went to Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
young person’s character and
and Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary in the Crags. They went on
self confidence, promoting a
exciting, fact packed tours, got to see and know the wild cats
healthy body and mind. This
up close and were even able to hold a couple of snakes.
is why Born in Africa decided
They had a lot of fun while learning something new,
to take a group of Gr 7 and 8
exploring the wild unknown and using all their senses to
to participate in a develop-
make the most of the experience.
ment clinic at Knysna Sports
School in the winter holidays.

Most of the girls attending

had never played hockey
before and they left with a
newfound enthusiasm for the
sport having learnt new skills
and worked as a team.

Nipper flies to Cape Town Boys Camp

Ellen Kleinsmidt is part of Born in Africa’s Nippers team
which has only gone from strength to strength since it’s start
in October 2014. Ellen and four other Born in Africa Nippers,
(Robert Kleinsmitd, Marcell Patterson, Celine Olivier and
Nicole Jacobs), went to the Nationals in Strand (Cape
Town) in April this year where they competed against the
best of the best in their age group. Ellen came home with
two gold medals for sprint and flags.
As if this was not enough excitement, Ellen then went on
her first ever flight, travelling with four other Plett children to
Cape Town for the awards ceremony. She loved every
minute of it and we wish her even greater success as her
hard work and enthusiasm drive her to greater heights.
During the last weekend of July we took the older Born in
Africa boys in Gr 9 - 12 to Harkerville Forest Lodge for a
camp centred around friendship. The weekend was packed
with activities and games where they competed for team
prizes. They also took part in dance and drama
workshops which gave them the opportunity to be creative
and move outside of their comfort zone while learning new
skills. The boys made new friends too, sitting around the
campfire while having meals together. In addition, they
learnt the importance of being friends with your environ-
ment. Escorted by SANParks guides, they went for a hike
ending at the breathtaking Kranshoek viewpoint. What a
great camp!

Adventure into Citizenship Career Guidance

Each year Born in Africa sponsors top achievers to attend a Knowing what career field you want to direct your tertiary
week long camp in Cape Town organized by Rotarian Oscar studies is of vital importance. This ensures young people do
Ssuna. The camp is aimed at exposing young people to not make the inevitable mistake of sitting in a lecture hall
various leadership activities to inspire them to develop their realising that they have zero interest in the talk up front.
leadership skills. The visited various well known institutions Academic Coordinator, Belinda Coram meets with all the Gr
where they received guided tours and attended talks hosted 8 - 12 pupils individually to discuss career guidance. They
by leaders of the institutions. These included National also undergo extensive online testing and balance this
Parliament, Groote Schuur Hospital, the university of Cape against their personal interests. Academic capabilities are
Town, University of the Western Cape, and many more. Well also a factor to determine the ideal study choice.
done to Jean – Pierre Plaatjies and Roseline Blaauw for
representing Born in Africa at such a top level. To date we are
very fortunate to
say that 95% of our
students in tertiary
level have entered
their correct study
fields and are
thriving!
 Mentorship Programme - the key to growth
Puppet therapy, computer lessons & first aid course
The mentoring of our children remains a core pillar of Attending camps, holidays outings and running group
the Born in Africa programme and one which the growth sessions, one could be faced with medical emergencies and
of the children is based upon. Keeping up to date with we recently followed our advanced second course in First
innovative ideas, tools and skills in which to complete Aid. Having this skill just empowers one to know how to
our task is key to achieve success ... proceed should a medical emergency within the group arise.
We also followed an intensive two week computer course
This year we commenced with a five which empowered the Born in Africa mentor staff to use their
month study method course where the computers to log all their admin onto. This is streamlining the
children learnt all the vital aspects of daily administration for both mentors as well as the Born in
studying to achieve success. We are Africa office.
working with two more practical and
fulfilled themes which include working
with puppets and poetry in order to get
the children talking about social issues
which hinder them. Each child gets to
make his or her personal puppet which
with become an important mouth piece
to solve issues with. Poetry is a brilliant
method to express their feelings and
this too will enrich their lives.

Farewell to our dear Born in Africa friends...

On 11 June 2015, Petra Hormes passed away. She was the
With great sadness we bid farewell to our hon-
partner of Henk Oerlemans and had been a keen supporter
oured member Roger Cassenaer. He passed
of Born in Africa from the very start. In honour of her legacy,
away on 15 July 2015. Thank you Roger for all
gifts were donated to Born in Africa which will aid the
your years of supporting Born in Africa. You
building of the new Born in Africa mentoring classrooms in
will always be remembered as a great
Kranshoek. Petra will be remembered by the children of Born
ambassador of Born in Africa.
in Africa.

Happy birthday to you!

September
16 Zanda Gigi, Courtney Van Wyk 28 Jaedine Mitchell
1 Caitlin Miggels, Simamkele Tyam 17 Chantenay Krigga, Christopher 30 Robin Windvogel
3 Mohesha Primo, Liechen Roman Titus
5 Jake Johnson 18 Clarissa Grootboom December
6 Renate Bailey 19 Izelle (Tossie) Jantjies, Louise
7 Ayesha Majavie, Tamia Daniels Figeland 1 Amor Adams
8 Masibonge Vusani / Simoki, Carlin 20 Kaleb Jansen, Tamryn Demas 3 Amber-Jayde Van Rooyen
Plaaitjies 21 John-Ross Minnie, Yulynne 4 Chad Nicholas Kam
9 Jay-Lee Martins Alexander, Garthwin Van Rooyen 6 Melissa Pikanie, Josleigh-Ann
11 Tristen Mc Clean 22 Ruweida Plaatjies Mapondo, Amorray Jordaan
13 Enrique-lee Smith, Sandy Stuur 26 Relebohile / Angie Mphafa, Randall 7 Nadine Salman
man, Whitney Campher Mtwa/Mabie 9 Ebricha Saalmans
14 Lorna Simoki/Vusani, Obuhle 27 Danelle Majavie, Denzel Koerie, 10 Shafick Philander, Jaydrien Felix
Ngonyama Monique Oortman 11 Cally Kleinsmidt, Janine Kamfer,
16 Clyde- John Smith 28 Deeolin Wildeman Andrea Olivier
18 Moisha Pluim/Christians 29 Aldain Botha 13 Fabian Jacobs, Miekylia Mintoor,
19 Tatum Terblanche 30 Selena Panadza, Kay-Lynn Smith Elze Ruiters
20 Jose Janse 31 Bridgette Kortee 14 Suraida Kamm / Christians,
22 Johnell Andrews, Joanne (Irene) Jeandre Mathews, Azica Welcome
Seekoei November 15 Lunisha Brand, Dominique
25 Charde Martins Plaatjies, Molly Jullies
26 Chandre Plaatjies 1 Logan Le Fleur, Julian Ruiters 16 Levern Luiters
27 Johaneley Arendse 2 Francoisnique Samuels 17 Tarryn-Amber Minnie
29 Anchen Kamfer 3 Amber Sam, Celestine Gelant 18 Dean Diedericks
4 Candy Gadebe, Chloe Stuurman 19 Tasmeen Janklaas
October 5 Ashwell Mabie, Nosifiso Mbangco 20 Cheston Pedro, Delano Arnold
loana, Deano Luiters, Kelsey Kriga Koopman
1 Chenique Seedat 7 Lu-een Mabie 21 Siyasanga/Siya Tenge
3 Lancola Goeda 8 Hadley Booysen, Celine Olivier 22 Adija Hartley
4 Justin Claassen 9 Lillian Julies, Nazli Majavie 24 Leante Louw, Michael Myburgh
7 Dunovan Kamfer, Shaun McClean, 10 Justine Adams, Devon Harker 26 Darielle Bailey, Rosaline Jansen
Julian Windvogel 11 Taylor Williams/Windvogel, 28 Charlotte Le Fleur
8 Jo-Ann Mapondo, Keagan Radeshna Cloete 30 Nicole Ludick
McCarthy 16 Bridgette Titus 31 Claire Louw / Mpako
9 Joanique Windvogel, Megan Van 18 Jaydrolene Morris
Tura, Relishia Krige 20 Hashim Williams
10 Bronico Preissex, Taylia Attwood, 22 Elize Malgas, Jonica Booysen
Craig Kamfer, Jaime-Leigh Sam 23 Zareen Ludick, Carey-Ann Davids
12 Evana Wiesie 25 Robert Kleinsmidt
13 Chaan Majavie 26 Jovan-Lee Titus
 Thank you!
Brilliant news! Born in Africa’s admin department just received official acknowledgement that all we
have permission to issue tax refund invoices until the year 2020! Thank you to all who have worked so
hard for this!

What wonderful initiatives...

Huge thanks to the The Greater Plettenberg Bay Synagogue, and
Shirley Jacobson, Stacey Aaron and Robyn Eidelman in
particular. Your donation of clothing has been very warmly received
and handed out to many needy families in Plettenberg Bay.
Bernard & Margret Kerrinckx-Hageman, godparents of Candy
Gadebe, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
Instead of gifts, their guest made donations in aid of Candy’s
studies. What a brilliant gesture!
On the 28th of May, 270 students of Maaswaal College organised a
very special “Dream Evening”. All night long, everyone worked very
hard with seven artists. The resulting artwork was sold for €7,250
and thanks to this many dreams have been realised. Thank you
Chantal Van Summeren, Jan Jacobs, Baukje Broekhoff,
Hadewijch Caspers, Willeke Kersten, Jelly van Rinssum & of
course the students of the Maaswaal College & the Triangel
School in Beuningen!
The golf tournament “Belgium – The Netherlands” at Goose Valley
was a massive success and this was possible thanks to the
Captain of the Dutch team, Kitty Van Helbergen. Kitty & Kees are
also honorary members of Born in Africa.
Thanks to the senior golf club of
Oudenaarde for their special contribu-
tion in aid of the Tertiary Study bursary
fund. The tournament was a huge suc-
cess and enjoyed by everyone present,
as were the refreshments provided by
Born in Africa’s Lieve & Remi De Backer.
Our honoured members Luc & Marie-Paule Seeuws-Smet recent-
ly celebrated their 40 year wedding anniversary. They requested
that all guests make a donation in aid of the Born in Africa Tertiary
Study bursary fund. Huge thanks for your hard work and donations!
THANKS FOR ALL KIND DONATIONS: G. Van Hege, K. Huizenga, C. Van
Summeren, De Wilde-De Meyer, B. Vliegen, Emmerechts-Debucquoy,
Verlodt-Lambert, F. & G. Verelst-Pluym, De Decker-Goossens, Technische
Universiteit, M. Durmann, H. Van Leemputten-De Baets, H. & D. Bulcke,
Van Den Goor-Geens, A. Windey, Smeys BVBA, L. Wilms-Vanbesien, B. &
I. Purnal-Pennej, Vanoppen-Indesteege, Arens, Vanoppen-Indesteege, J. &
W. Wechuys, O. Mels, Note-Derweduwen, J. Verbist, J. Holvoet, Raepsaet-
Defraeye, Smeys BVBA, L. Wilms-Vanbesien, B. &. I. Purnal-Penne, Van
Der Mersch, B. Appelen , L. Baeke, V. Bodewes, Idee Consulting, E.&I.
Seeuws-Van Laethem, Vindevogel-Schelstraete, A. Gobeyn, M. Vanden-
plas, R. Matthijs, D. Deyaert, R. De Backer, C. Demarey , Seeuws-De Re-
keneire, LV Beheer BVBA, Van Hecke-Van Belleghem, Soens-Van Puyvel-
de, Van Autryve, J. De Somer, Carion-De Wolf, K. Dhont, G. Leemans, M.
Ronsijn, De Keyser-Coppens, K. & K. Simon-De Vogelaer, E. Van Schuy-
lenbergh, R. & M. Vissers-Vanhoudenhove, M. Van Bos, Seeuws-Smekens,
A-M. Seeuws, L. Seeuws, F. Rymenams, Smekens-De Coninck, P. Vanbel-
leghem, M. Grijseels, K. Vandenplas, K. & G. Coudre-Geeroms, Deville en
Binnard, Danneels-Allary, M. Smet, A. Vanderveken, I. Smet
The godparents of Zeldorette Wildeman, Guy & Annemarie De
Clippel-Menschaert, recently organised a party and their
request to guests was to make a donation in aid of the Born in Africa
Tertiary Study bursary fund. Thanks to the €100 raised, many
students can be assisted on their road to success.
A huge thanks to “ALLOREKI of KULeuven” for the brilliant amount
donated in aid of Born in Africa’s after school programme. We are
so grateful!
People in Meetjesland (Flanders)
might be interested in our very
motivated godparent / volunteers
team, assisting in fundraising for the
Kranshoek classrooms. They are
selling delicious biscuits at a
bargain. To find out more, contact
mario.lampaert@telenet.be. In Jan-
uary 2017 the team are planning to
visit Born in Africa and hand over their fundraising results!
Talitha De Laere and her mother are working tirelessly at the
flea market in aid of the Tertiary study bursary fund. Thanks for this
initiative!
MiM vzw (Meesters in Masters) are supporting students who are
studying in the fields of Business Industry and Economics. This
strategy has joined hands with the Born in Africa Tertiary study
bursary fund. MiM has contact with the “Associatie Ugent” and with
this agreement they will support two Born in Africa students during
their five year studies. We are incredibly grateful for this initiative
and on behalf of the students, we would like to thank you.
The kids had so much fun spending time with the little lambs.
Thanks to Greta & Marcel Nickmans for this amazing activity for
raising funds for Born in Africa.
This year Born in Africa were the lucky recipients of over 100kg of
soccer equipment thanks to ‘’Foot for Africa’’ organised by Football
Club PERK. Every year, the Belgian Football Association
awards clubs who assisted others in need and Football Club PERK
received a bronze medal for this initiative. We are so proud of your
achievement.
Weather good or bad, the team in Velzeke stood proud to sell their
goods in aid of Born in Africa. There was also a relaxing bar and the
wheel of fortune was also present. Thanks to Hilde De Baets and
her motivated team for their yearly contribution!
Big thanks towards the clubs: Rotary Club Plettenberg Bay, Rotary Club
Renaix, Lions Club Ieper-Poperinge, Rotary Club Brussel - Coudenberg,
Lions Club Lokeren

MiM VZW
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE FOOD DONATIONS:
Woolworths, KwikSpar, Sao Gonzales, Le Fournil and Nguni. THANK YOU CORPORATES for your tertiary study Inktco bvba

Thank you for the monthly donations: Tinneke & Joost Bogaert-Verlinden, Victor Poelmans-Lambrights, Henri & Martine De Schouwer, Fons Cools, Meeus-
Verheyen, Marc en Roos Hollanders, Yvan Vandenabeele, Gilbert Verheecke, Van Steertegem-De Temmerman, Leona De Smet, Van Den Eynde-Lemmens,
Geert & Sandra Vandermarliere, Rosa Flamand, Hans Vermeersch, Moers-Scheepmans, Noor Hallegraef, Nancy Calcoen, Luc Van Der Linden, Etienne
Vyncke, Wilma Van Bronkhorst

Thank you for the bicycle donations: Action Clean BVBA, J.Adams, R.Aerts, F.Antonissen, Appels-Vanderlinden, Architecten Hectors, Baets-Lenaerts,
Bastiaens-De Smet, Bekkers-Van Loon, C.Bluekens, Boekh.Kantoor De Guyter, Bolhaar-Van Gestel, Bouwservice Van Gompel, Brosens-Van Dorst, Bruurs
Kine BV/BVBA, Bruurs NV, J.Bruyndonckx, Buts-Rombouts, Cardiohaan, Coertjens-Roovers, T.Coppens, J.Daems, Y.Daniel, De Backer-Lanslots, F.De Jong-
he, De Jongh-Van Hamme, W.De Keuster, De Keuster-Sprangers, A.&G. De Smul, De Wilde-Aerts, Dockx-Vlemincx, M.Dufraing, J.Dufraing Swaenen, L.&E.
Eyckens-Schrauwen, C.Fransen, Fronica, Gangboord registergoed, R.Geerts, Geysen-Van Boxel, J.Gijsbregts, K.Goeyvaerts, Group Eribel NV, E.Gysbregts,
J.Haest, A.Haest, P.Helsen, Hofkens-Segers, D.Horsten, F.Horsten, L&B.Horsten-Van Merode, A.Hoymans, K.Huet, Huet-De Busser, Hulzebos-Scheepens,
A.Jacobs, G.Janssen, J.Janssens, J.Kenis, B.Kin, Lenaerts-Versmissen, W.Lens, P.Loos, J.Maas, Markant Hoogstraten, M.Meir, F.Mertens, Mertens 2 BVBA,
B.Michielsen, M.Michielsen, Michielsen-Aertsen, Michielsen-Caers, J.&G.Michoel-Marien, Missiekring Hoogstraten, T.&E.Moller-Wils-Van Rooy, Mortiers-
Soffers, Nelissen-Knape, Nelissen-Knape E.J.M., L.Plessers, Quirynen-Proost, Quirynen-Rombouts, G.&R.Rigouts-Dingenen, L.Roos, L.&N. Schattenhofer-de
Keuster, B.Schrage, Schrijvers-Michielsen, L.Schroyen, Y.Segal, M.Servaes, M.Siebelink, Sint-Victor Basisscholen, S.Sleeckx, L.&C.Sprangers-Van Gestel,
C.Stabel, Statie 'k wist 't, M.Sterkens, Tafelronde 195 Baarle-Nassau, B.Thijs, M.Thijs, M.Timmerman, E.Tuytelaars, Tuytelaars-Pans, Van Bergen-Bastiaens,
N.Van de Velde , B.Van Delm, D.Van Den Bosch, A.Van Den Keybus, J.Van Der Velden, Van der Vloedt-Servaes, P.Van Deun, Van Kaam-Peeters, A.Van
Mechelen, D.Van Pelt, M.Van Riel, E.Van Rooy, A.Vandamme, Verheijen-Vangoidsenhove, P.Verhoeven, Verma Comm., G.Vermeiren, F.Verschueren,
M.Verschueren, S.Verschueren, T.Versmissen, P.&M.Voorbraak-Plasschaert, Voorbraak-Plasschaert, B.Wilde, Zakenkantoor Ivo Bols BVBA, J. Herrijgers
 Born in Africa Classrooms
Lilianne’s Classroom
A number of years ago Born in Africa built a classroom which we
dubbed “Lilianne’s classroom” at Wittedrift Primary school. This
was in honor of Born in Africa godparent Mr. Abreu’s wife who
passed away. Recently funds were donated by Innerhweel
Geraardsbergen Oudenberg for the maintenance and repair of
the classroom. It is used as our mentorship classroom where Juf
Sarija mentors the 45 BIA children who attend Wittedrift Primary
school. With a new lick of paint and new school equipment,
Lilianne’s classroom is as good as new, keeping her memory
alive and enriching learners lives every day!
Born in Africa plans to build a classroom
Adequate working space is imperative to our success and at
Kranshoek where we work with 165 children we need to
ensure that this ethos of excellence is maintained. With
Kranshoek Primary school moving to a new premises so are
we! We managed to purchase a property central enough for
all the Born in Africa students. We are currently in the plan-
ning stage of building our two mentorship classrooms where
we will be continuing our afternoon mentorship, homework
and sewing classes.
The classrooms will create a safe environment for the Born in
Africa children to complete these activities, but also a place
they can truly call their own. There will also be a kitchen
where Born in Africa will provide nutrition to the learners after
school.

Should you be interested in making a contribution towards

the building of the classrooms contact Isabelle De Smul -
Brink. Together, we can make a difference!

Born in Africa awards and honoured members

Anton Van Wilderode Award Meet our new honoured member
Born in Africa chairman Remi De Backer and Born in Africa is proud to have such
his wife Lieve de Backer received an award at an inspiring man as a supporter and
the annual Anton Van Wilrode poem competi- it is our pleasure to award him with
tion. Cyriel Paul Coupé (28 June 1918 – 15 honorary membership at Born in
June 1998) was a famous Belgian writer and Africa. Jef Michielsen has made a
poet, also known by the pseudonym Anton huge difference with his bicycle
van Wilderode. Congratulations to Lieve and project which resulted in the
Remi for this well deserved recognition and purchase and distribution of more
than 100 brand new bicycles.
thank you for all you do for Born in Africa.

Donorinfo 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 who are interested:If you would like to organize something for
Born in Africa you can always contact Georges De Smul or Remi De Backer. They will be more than happy to visit you and give an
informative talk at no cost. Feel free to contact them!

This newsletter was compiled by Nele Schroyen, Emma Irvine, Veronique

Claes, Karien Malan, Belinda Coram & Isabelle De Smul – Brink.

Would you like to get involved?

Contact person in Contact people between Contact people in Belgium Contact people in:
South Africa Belgium and South Africa Norway
Arlette & Georges De Smul
Toralf Nordbotten
Isabelle De Smul – Brink Lieve & Remi De Backer R. Dalechamplaan 4
toralfn@online.no
P.O. Box 1674 Cell: +32 (0) 47 528 3873 1200 Brussels
Plettenberg Bay 6600 remi.de.backer@telenet.be Belgium Germany
South Africa Dr. Reinhard Schydlo
Tel/Fax: +32 (0) 27 706 916 rschydlo@aol.com
Tel: +27 (0) 44 533 6271 Cell: +32 (0) 49 612 2361
Cell: +27 (0) 82 857 2345 georges.de.smul@gmail.com The Netherlands
isabelle@borninafrica.org Chantal Van Summeren
Chantal@borninafrica.org
Corporate fundraiser:
Donations are always welcome! Jaak Leenknegt
Jaak.leenknegt@gmail.com
In Belgium: Iban nr. BE 25 8845 03500182,
BIC-code: HBKABE22 Have a look at our Facebook page: Born in Africa
& our new website: www.borninafrica.org
In South Africa: First National Bank, Plettenberg Bay
62044941533, branch code: 210514 Tax exemption in Belgium (from €40) & in South Africa!