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V O L U M E 3 1
Being a part of the Born in Africa programme is an honour for all our students. From the youngest
grade 1 learners right through to the senior grade 12 learners, we have a good reputation in the
schools and as a result there are also regular applications to the programme.
When Born in Africa was established our selection criteria were somewhat different at first with our
main focus being on selecting the “poorest of the poor”. With experience we learnt that this method
did not always deliver success as a learner’s motivation to succeed plays a far more important role.
As a result of this gradual development of policy, it is now perceived as a privilege and an
achievement to be in the Born in Africa programme. Learners have subsequently adopted the
"hard work breeds success, laziness produces mediocrity" policy which motivates them to do their
best both personally as well as academically.
It has been four years now since the initial implementation of the Born in Africa Tertiary
Programme where we select and sponsor our students to pursue tertiary studies. The selection
criteria are understandably stringent as we undertake to sponsor all their financial needs. They
need to maintain a satisfactory academic level and conform to our code of conduct which includes
attending all classes, abstaining from alcohol and drug abuse and so forth. In line with this zero
tolerance attitude, behavioural problems are always dealt with and usually resolved very swiftly.
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.
More about the Tertiary Programme
The learners in our tertiary programme are most grateful for Once our learners have completed their degree / diploma,
what is done for them. They realise this afresh every term when have entered the job market, settled down and found their
they return to their studies and a number of their fellow peers niche in society, our request to them is to support a Born
have not come back due to lack of funding. A good education in in Africa learner in the same way that they were supported
South Africa comes at a high cost and our learners understand by their “godparents”. Each former tertiary student will
this fully. become a “student coach”. The minimum time we require
for them to do so is the time they received a study bursary
Upon their return during the holidays they very keenly visit our funds. The enthusiasm with which they have embraced
offices where they give us an individual debriefing on their this opportunity is remarkable; it is an opportunity to give
academic term. They are also requested to write a report three back. Their valuable experience as a former Born in Africa
times a year on their progress. We also replenish their child and tertiary student will be greatly profitable to the
stationary supply and provide them with food and clothing child that they support.
where we are able to.
Our tertiary students visiting academic coordinator, Belinda Coram, at the Born in Africa office
Here are some pointers about manners that they took home with them:
Do not put your elbows on the table at formal occasions - place your
hands on your lap
Start eating only once every one has food or when your hostess says
you can start
While you are chewing your food, put your knife and fork down on
your plate
Always remember your A B C - Always be caring, comforting and
courteous
Early is on time!
Never greet from your seat - get up and greet
Judy’s dream came true when she was able to Roxanne Olivier received a desk that she can use
build a brand new home. to do her homework at while she is at home.
Ayesha Majavie’s dream was to have a pink room These children each got new bedding with
and new bedding. What a lovely dream come specific themes and colours, three of them
true! received a new bed.
A group of eight learners dreamed of going Shanice Davids was given a hearing aid so that
for a flight in a microlight. What an amazing trip. she can hear and communicate well.
Dreams can come through thanks to: The BIA South Africa board is getting stronger! Adje
The desk dream, the bedding dream & the room make over dream: Bos has become a BIA board member. She is
Vrije Basisschool Windekind - Polderkind, fam. Lellyet originally from the Netherlands but has been living in
The hearing aid dream: Michelle Ash, Dr Young, G. Brink, L. Sanfilippo South Africa for 12 years. Adje has been very involved
& G. De Smet with the Siya Phambili project for the past 8 years.
The flying dream: Montessorischool De Triangel & S. Brink Welcome Adje - we look forward to working with you!
The Shark dream: Marjan Meganck
Thank you for the monthly donations: Tinneke & Joost Bogaert-Verlinden, Victor Poelmans-Lambrights, De Schouwer Henri & Martine,
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-Scheemans, Noor Hallegraef
Thank you for the donations: Windey Arnold, G. Vroman, H. & D. Bulcke, I. Vande Velde, S. Maes, Programma cultuurcentrum, M. Doyer, Dr
Mv Gerend BV/BVBA, K. De Backer, L. Linda, Wageningen University, L. Zaman, T. & M. De Beir Adv. BVBA, A. Venmans, J. Behiels, De Jonghe-
Heynderickx, H. Van Ham, H. De Clerck, P. L'Ecluse, M. Schollier, H. Venmans, Elpers-Genie, K. Stonestreet, E. en P. Van Springel, F. Vansina BVBA, W. &
C. Dobbelaere, P. Delva, Verlinden-Druyts Marc en Katrien, Gary en Sarah, J. Debeer, Desmet-Maertens, A. Huyghe, J. Leysen, P. Lion, P. Maeyaert, L.
Wynant, Bonte Van der Cruysse, Vermunicht-Joye, Verwee-Van Damme, P. Michiels, Med.Kabinet Dr.V.Vergauwen, G. François, J. Jonckheere-Sabbe, H.
Vanden Meerssche, Moons-Van Keer, C. Delesie, V. Marrecau Viaene, P. Vankeirsbilck, A. Uylenbroeck, OLV instituut, S. Bostoen, C. Vermeulen, J. Vanden-
haute, A. & R. Vos-Mertens, Clijsters-Castermans, Cox-Baeken, J. Dyckmans, Peeten-Hesius, M. Schuurmans, M. Vancluysen, M. Vancluysen, M. Luits, C.
Beenaerts, K. Versmold, M. Schuurmans, M. Vancluysen, A. & G. De Smul-Van Heule , L. De Broyer, M. Dondeyne, C. Boghemans, M. Thomas, H. Thomas,
M. & K. Thomas, K. Vanhees, Bongaers-Jansen, A. & E. Moors-Konings, T. Schamrodtfirma THOMAS Invest bvba, K. en U. Krueger, R. en N. Leeman-De
Roy, F. Burmester, Goossens-Demuynck, AMR International L, Elisabeth Ziekenhuis Hasselt, J. De Vocht, Keletech BVBA, J. Van Humbeek, B. Vanhoudt K.
Vanhees, G. Rommes
Born in Africa Corporate Fundraising
Jaak Leenknegt is passionate about heading the Born in Africa How do the companies who sponsor this project
Corporate Funding programme and has known Born in Africa benefit?
since its inception as his wife Christine Lernout has been A free donation will be rewarded with a tax invoice and if a
managing the accounts for Born in Africa many years. Jaak has company decides to sponsor a student it will qualify to
also been the President of the board of the well known advertise its logo on the Born in Africa website / facebook
Brussels Jesuit School for many years. Christine and Jaak (see page and of course have its logo displayed in the Born in
picture below) are both godparents of Born in Africa students Africa trimester newsletter. In both instances regular
and want to make a positive difference where they can. feedback is given about the students progress and the
Jaak, why did you decide to Born in Africa programme.
dedicate yourself to this
program specifically? Thank you Jaak for your time and effort! For more
The education system is not information about corportate fundraising, feel free to
optimal in South Africa with contact Jaak at jaak.leenknegt@gmail.com
much still to be done, but why
do the learners who want to
achieve greater things have to Community Service Award
suffer? In recent years the Born
in Africa management
committee made the decision to assist learners to further their Belinda Coram received a Community Service Award
studies. These students all come from the townships and have very from Rotary Plettenberg Bay on 13 July this year. Former
little money, yet they are driven to success. Rotary Chairman, Ruby Chetty, acknowledged the
unmistakable value and impact of Belinda’s work,
How is Born in Africa able to fund the project? acknowledging her passionate commitment to upliftment
Well, Born in Africa takes 100% responsibility for all the students and social development in the community.
costs involved during his or her tertiary studies and because it costs
in the region of about €5,000 per annum. Born in Africa needs to call
on the business community to raise funds. The Study Bursary Fund,
as we like to call it, consists of donations from service clubs,
independent organisations, schools and business and this amounts
to a quarter of Born in Africa annual budget. It is able to subsidies
the yearly contribution of €300 which the individual godparents
funds. To put it in a nutshell the Study Bursary Fund assist the
motivated learners who qualify to further their tertiary studies and it
covers their application fee/tuition (40%), meals (14%),
accommodation (36%), study books and equipment/stationary (8%),
as well as transport (2%).
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 Elke Ijzerman, Nele Schroyen, Emma
Irvine, Karien Malan, Belinda Coram & Isabelle De Smul –Brink.