Newsletter

V O L U M E 2 8 A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

Belgium celebrates BIA 10 year anniversary!

Our 10 year
celebration
movie is
out!

Have a
look at our
website on
the home-
page.

Born in Africa Ambassador Tia Hellebaut and her daughter Saartje pictured here with Georges De
Smul, Born in Africa chairman, and Isabelle De Smul.

Not only did you see smiles all round, but you also experienced the magical atmosphere if you were lucky
enough to attend Lebbeke 2013, where the BIA family celebrated 10 years of achievement. So many BIA
volunteers worked nonstop on preparation for the festivities. Sunday, the 7th of July is a day which will not be
forgotten by the 30 BIA volunteers who waited on the 300 guests. The reception was a hive of activity where
BIA fever ran high! Everyone was welcome to attend and attracted folks from near and far. The event was
opened with serenading from the music group, Lien & Bart, who created a lovely ambiance for a perfect day.

Speeches were delivered by Isabelle De Smul, her father Georges De Smul and Remi De Backer on the
history of BIA, BIA Plettenberg Bay as well as our achievements in the last 10 years. Olympic Gold medalist
Tia Hellebaut, a BIA ambassador and godmother to little BIA child Roxanne Davids, was thanked for her
involvement in our organization. She thanked BIA for all that we do for the children in South Africa and we
were all so humbled by her wonderful and kind words. Continue page 8.

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, South Africa.
 Meet Mandy Mngomezulu...our future Journalist
Our ultimate goal once our children graduate from school is to send them to college or university to ensure
they pursue tertiary studies. BIA currently has 15 students studying throughout South Africa under our
guidance. They are supported by our Tertiary Education study fund.
Mandy Mngomezulu is a Xhosa student, from Kwanokuthula, Plettenberg Bay.
She gave us an interview recently and this is what she had to say:

Mandy Mngomezulu (20) is a 2nd year student What is your message for other young people accross
studying Journalism at the University of the the globe?
Western Cape. She is a true BIA ambasador Keep your own identity; know where you come from; stick to
and therefore we have decided to interview your morals. The sky is your limit.
her for this edition. Enjoy!
You have just been selected by
Give our readers some information on your the university as a member of
background... their Golden Key International
I was born in Plettenberg bay, raised by my grandmother as honorary society, tell us about
both my parents passed away when I was very young. I that...
attended Plett Primary school and completed my schooling at Only the top 15% achievers of the
Wittedrift High. At any given time we had 7 family members university get invited. Being part of
living with us. I grew up in a very happy family. the society opens doors for you in
future when you enter the job
Who is your biggest inspiration? market. We will get to attend
I am my biggest inspiration. My circumstances have never put various leadership courses and so
me down. I am a role model for many in my community. on. In the future I also might be
recognized for a scholarship. As a
Tell us a bit about university life for you... member I will be very much
It was an eye opener for me. You choose one of two paths. involved in community develop-
One is to play around, party, sleep late and then fail and the ment work.
other one is to not forget your morals, stay focussed, be
Thanks Mandy! Keep up your
responsible and not disappoint yourself and your loved ones.
excellent work and make us
I chose the latter!
proud

Co-godparent program
As you all know at BIA we work through a “godparent” program.
But for the study bursary students we had to start with the
co-godparenting support. These learners are selected within the
BIA program and they either attend Wittdrift High or study at
tertiary level, which is raising the costs seeing that good
education in South Africa costs a pretty penny.
The school offers them the perfect preparation ground to
prepare them both academically and mentally for tertiary
studies. The introduction of the the co-godparent program
eases the financial burden on BIA to contribute towards the
needed €1700. It does not cover the amount completely,
but we do additional fundraising to cover all the costs.

All 23 learners who are studying at Wittedrift High school have
co-godparents. School fees are R18 000 per year which is
about €1700.
The students who study at university or college cost
between R60 000 and R80 000 per year.
This includes tuition fees, accomodation, books and food.
BIA is 100% responsible for these costs and allocating
more than one godparent per student eliviates the costs
slightly.

We hold our children’s future at such high regards and

strive to assist them in any way possible to realise their
dreams and without your support as godparents we will
never be able to do this.

Born in Africa 10 year movie is out...

Visit our website and have a look at our new BIA promotional movie clip.
The short film was made to highlight the projects we are currently busy
with. It was filmed at the various locations we work in and included beauti-
ful aerial shots during our 10 year celebration.
Thanks to Jamey Larrison and Stuart Brink films for capturing the essence
of BIA so truthfully. Our website address is www.borninafrica.org.
You are welcome to send us your comments.
 Meet our volunteers in SA...
Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding opportunity in life. This goes for the volunteer as well as the those involved who
receive the benefits. Born in Africa’s success depends on our fantastic team of volunteers in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
as well as those in Belgium. There are various activities our volunteers apply themselves to. Most of them are educationally
and socially based as these are the fields where our main focus lies. Assisting in the afterschool programs such as
homework assistance, various educational project assistance, sporting activities, teaching skills such as reading and
writing and computer lessons are just a few of the things that happen on a daily basis.
Together we can make a difference!

Hey, my name is Charlene My name is Alexandra Rondas. I'm 24

Van Loock. I am studying
North South. for the moment,
I’m doing my internship in
Born in Africa and I’m staying
for 6 months. Crags is the
township where I work. The
children are adorable and I
like to work with them. Time
goes by quickly but I’m
enjoying every moment that I
spend with the organisation.
Thank you for the opportunity!
years old and last academic year I
graduated as a teacher for secondary edu-
cation. This year I subscribed for a
postgraduate course called "North South
development". After the theoretical part I
am now doing my internship with Born in
Africa. During the week I go to Kranshoek
Primary. There I help out with life-skills for
the lower grades and after school BIA-learners come to the
homework class that I help with. For me this is a once in a
lifetime experience which is opening my eyes to a new world. I
am very thankful to Born in Africa for giving me this chance,
every day offers an opportunity to learn!

Hello, my name is Lorri Sanfilippo, I am 22 years of age and a third year student of Orthopedagogics at
Plantijn Hogeschool in Antwerp. I just arrived in Plettenberg Bay and I will be staying until January. During
this time I will do an internship within the organization. I will help during the homework classes, life skills
classes as well as tutor the children.

I’m looking forward to go through this experience and be part of the Born in Africa organization.

Meet some of our volunteers in Belgium...

Translation Volunteer Selection
If you are reading this newsletter in As you all know moving abroad
Dutch, these two ladies have for a period of time is a decision
translated it for you! If you are reading which needs to be made with
this in English, know that it will be much consideration. Aiding fu-
translated to Dutch by Nele Schroyen ture BIA volunteers with their
(left) and Iris Van de Velde (right) who both spent time quest is Lauren Vereecken
volunteering for BIA in South Africa and are currently (Left), Elke Ijzerman (right)
responsible for all correspondence translation. This they do in and Inge Mommaerts (below). New applicants undergo
their free time, as Nele is working hard as a teacher and Iris meetings with the ladies and are offered valuable information
(also a teacher) has just became a mother to Sebastian! as the three of them have all volunteered for BIA in Plettenberg
Bay for extensive periods. They serve as board members in
Administration Belgium and assist at fundraisers when required.
Pictured left to right are Arlette De Smul - Vanheule, Lieve Volunteers in action
Platteau and Christine Lernout..This energetic trio are board
members of BIA in Belgium. They are also responsible for Sara De Vleeschouwer completed her internship at BIA
admin related chores such as payments, distributing letters, Plettenberg Bay and when she returned to Belgium to conclude
keeping control of finance and updating our database. her studies as a sports teacher, she designed and produced a
“sports game” for the BIA children. Pictured here with Isabelle
De Smul is Sara and the
complete game set
which resulted in her
passing with a
distinction.

Well done, we are

most proud of you and
the children are abso-
Karl Leenknegt (on the right) is responsible for distributing the lutely having a ball
online newsletter. He also spent 6 months volunteering at BIA, with “Sara’s game”!
South Africa.
 Educational activities…
BIA boys boot camp 2013
Welcome to boot camp with a twist at Ingwe Forest
Adventures. A fun filled weekend was had by the 35 BIA
boys from Crags, Harkerville, Wittedrift and Kranshoek.
The program for the weekend included obstacle courses,
team building challenges, first aid and CPR. Evenings
around the campfire were spent sharing stories. All in all
it was a fantastic camp, thanks to all in-
volved.
Rotary Adventure in Citizenship camp
Four BIA students were selected to attend a
weeklong camp in Cape Town during the June/
July school holidays. The adventurous week
was about educational activities, visits designed to
promote a better understanding of how the country’s
machinery works, promoting good citizenship in South
Africa, the creation of opportunities and the rewards of
service to the community. Social and cultural interaction is
another bonus. The BIA children who went are Marcellino
Ruiters, Katleho Modise, Elize Malgas and Jonell
Hendricks.
Forty Gr 11 and 12 students from various schools
attended. New friendships were built various historical
sites visited. Amongst them was the Christiaan Barnard
museum, SA parliament, SA Police, etc. Team building &
leadership activities were also hosted.
Thanks to Rotary for extending an invitation to BIA and
accommodating our learners. A huge thanks goes to the
BIA godparents and the ’Ridders’ from the ’hospital orde’
who sponsored the tour and of course to our learners who
made us proud!
June/July holiday outings
As a reward for their commitment and faithfulness this past
semester, we took a total of 66 Born in Africa learners from
the Crags, Kranshoek and Wittedrift, to Monkey Land and
Birds of Eden. What a lovely chance to see such a wide
variety of monkeys up-close, ask questions and get to
know some of their personalities too. The learners also
enjoyed exploring Birds of Eden, surrounded by beautiful
nature and an amazing variety of different species of birds.
The perfect weather coupled with the learners’ enthusiasm
and excitement made for another fantastic outing. Thank
you to Monkey Land and Birds of Eden for their continued
support and for making a difference in the lives of so many
Born in Africa children!
The Wedge Classic body boarding
South Africa’s oldest body boarding contest took place
once again in spectacular Plettenberg Bay. This year 12
BIA children from Kranshoek were invited to the body
boarding development clinic which took place during the
competition. They attended various activities which
included a workshop on water safety, a talk on the impact
that littering has on our beaches, and they met the interna-
tional professional body boarders taking part in the event.
The pro’s got them involved in the water, taught them the
tricks of body boarding and then it was time to get serious
and spot their moves!
Shaun Mclean took the prize for best wave, Nazli Majavie
took the prize for best improved and Anthony Aaron
received the award for shark bate! The kids received a
stunning T-shirt and huge smiles were brimming from ear
to ear. Memories will surely linger with the kids as well as
the professional guys whose hearts they stole!
 Born in Africa dream project...
Dreams can come true when you are in Born in Africa. Eric Breuker established the “Dream in Africa” project in con-
junction with BIA Netherlands after attending our 10 Year celebration in Plettenberg Bay. Please visit the website to
learn more at www.DreamInAfrica.com.

May dreams:

Keenan has always shared a bed with 4 family members, until Living with 7 siblings, always sharing a broken closet in the
his dream was realized, thanks to Ton and Kora Coenen. bathroom and clothes, has now come to an end for me!

June dreams:

Becoming a vet is Ellen’s dream and by working with animals Soccer is his life and, thanks to this project, he has new
she is working on her way to achieving it. attire to score those goals and make his team proud.

July dreams:

Our girls featured above enjoyed a bakers dream come true These kids have dreamed about the ocean and thanks to
with Clare and her efficient team by baking up a storm! Offshore Adventures they swam with seals!
 Happy Birthday to you!
September November
1 Gabriela Camphor, Jofrey Louw, Caitlin Miggels, 1 Julian Ruiters, Logan Le Fleur
Simamkele Tyam 3 Celestine Gelandt, Amber Sam
2 Imogene Kriga 4 Candy Gadebe
3 Mohesha Primo, Liechen Roman, Ragne Cloete, Kyle 5 Nosifisio Mbonquolo, Renaldo Barnardo, Ashwell Ma-
Lottering bie, Kelsey Krigga
4 Jacques Jantjies, Marcell Patterson 7 Lu-een Mabie
5 Jake Johnson 8 Hadley Booysen, Celine Olivier
6 Renate Bailey, Gino Luiters 9 Nazli Majavie
7 Tamia Daniels, Ayesha Majavie 10 Justine Adams, Hannio- Hallen Human
8 Masibonge Vusani, Benjamin Louw, Carlin Plaaitjies 11 Taylor Williams, Radeshna Cloete
9 Jay-Lee Martins 15 Melissa Mbongwe
11 Tristen McClean 16 Madeleine Juries, Groschiano Lottering, Bridgette Titus
13 Sandy Stuurman, Enrique Smith 18 Jaydrolene Morris
14 Lona Simoki, Rujane Jantjies, Obuhle Ngonyama 22 Elize Malgas, Jonica Booysen
18 Moisha Pluim 23 Carey-Ann Davids, Zareen Ludick
20 Jose Janse 26 Jovan-Lee Titus
22 Johnelle Luiters, Jo-Anne Seekoei 30 Robin Windvogel, Nicole Bezuidenhout
23 Fazlin Jantjies
24 Colleen Plaatjies December
26 Chandre Plaatjies 1 Amor Adams
2 Leandra Swarts
October 3 Amber-Jayde Van Rooyen, Jaco Van Wyk
1 Brandon Le Fleur, Chenique Seedat 6 Ammoray Jordaan, Josleigh-Ann Mapondo
3 Elmarie September, Lancola Goeda 9 Ebricha Saalmans
4 Justin Claasen 10 Jaydrien Felix, Shafick Philandr
5 Danielle Windvogel 11 Janine Kampfer, Andrea Olivier, Charlize Damons
6 Ruwan Wildeman 12 Davidene Opperman, Elze Ruiters
7 Julian Windvogel, Shaun McClean 13 Miekylia Mintoor
8 Jo-Ann Mapondo, Keagan Mc Carthy
14 Jo-Ann Diedericks, Azica Welcome, Suraida Kam,
9 Relishia Krige, Megan Van Tura, Jessica Samuels
10 Shalyn Jantjies, Bronico Preissex. Jamie-Lee Sam, Craig Jeandre Matthews
15 Mollie Julies, Dominique Plaatjies
Kamfer
12 Brandon Plaatjies, Evana Wiesie 16 Levern Luiters
13 Chaan Majavie 17 Juventis Van Tura
18 Dean Diedericks, Luzelle Toring
14 Phumeza Mazika
16 Zanda Gigi, Ivan Harker 19 Tasmien Janklaas
17 Chantenay Krigga, Christopher Titus 20 Cheston Pedro, Delano Koopman
21 Jasmine Zass, Siyasanga Tenge
18 Clarissa Grootboom
19 Louise Figeland, Izelle Jantjies 22 Nicolene Davids, Eliza Wiesie, Adija Hartley
20 Kaleb Jansen 24 Michael Myburgh
26 Darielle Bailey, Roselind Jansen
21 Yulynne Alexander, Jaywrene Krige
22 Ruweida Plaatjies 28 Charlotte Le Fleur
26 Relebohile Mphafa, Randall Mtwa 30 Kaysorane Campher, Nicole Ludick
31 Claire Louw
27 Danelle Majavie, Monique Oortman, Denzel Koerie
28 Deeolin Wildeman
29 Aldain Botha
30 Kay-Lynn Smith, Selena Panadza

Mentorship & workshop

Mentorship themes for 2013
This has been such a great year in the mentoring
department. Our 10 year anniversary ensured our children
and mentors were kept busy until the end of March.
Subsequently, we commenced with “Families in crisis” after
the April holiday. So many of our children are faced with
adult issues at a young age and we need to equip them with
the knowledge on how to cope in such circumstances. It
proved to be a tough theme to say the least, but a fruitful
one with much healing. The theme also strengthened the
bond between each child and BIA.
Siya Phambile beadwork business
We would like to recognize the ladies from this very
special business situated in the Crags. In 2005 the
mothers of the children in BIA started the business where
they produce unique handmade products such as key
chains and jewelry. All their work is done using mainly
beads.

After assisting with exam preparation, we

commenced with our mid year reports
where mentors gave valuable feedback to
godparents.
We have just started term three with
“Forgiveness” as our theme and we are
looking forward to the positive outcome
this uplifting theme will have.
Thanks to C. De Meulemeester, B. Laureyns, T. Vermeir,
R. De smul, G. De Graeve from ‘Doolel Jiggen’ ladies in
Belgium an addition was recently added to the building.
Thank you Adje & Ate Bos for the planning of all the works.
The extension has ensured 50 % more floor and
workspace for the women who produce the stunning
jewelry pieces on the premises.
 Thank you!
BELGA NEWS AGENCY NV donated €5000 to BIA. This was
done as a gesture when Jaak Leenknegt, Christine Lernout’s
husband and BIA board member, retired this year. The occasion
was very special as it gave the entire staff the opportunity to learn
more about our organisation and some staff members also signed
on as co-godparents for a BIA student.
Thanks to the De Blauwe Vogel travel agency from
Sint-Truiden in Belgium for visiting the BIA project at
Crags Primary twice a week. As a result of visits from
your loyal groups of tourists, we have aquired many
new godparents in our organisation. It is great working
with you!
Anne & Theo Kelchtermans recently celebrated Theo’s 70th
birthday. It was their wish to donate all their gifts to BIA students.
Thank you very much for the €1000.
This year BIA could count on the valued support from the Rotary
Club in Tervuren, Belgium. Thanks for your incredible financial
support which allows us to purchase much needed tuition books.
Innerwheel Geraardsbergen, Innerwheel Lokeren and the
Lions Club Lokeren also donated a wonderful amount towards
the studybursary project. Thank you Lieve and Remi De Backer for
your presentation and well done!
When Isabelle De Smul was in Belgium recently she was invited to
host a talk at the firm Ernst & Young. The firm donated €1500 to
our studybursary project. Thank you so much for this.
Additional Math lessons! Thanks to the
donation of the family Schuil-Henderson
we can offer our learnes much needed les-
sons hosted by Sizwe Tyam, an ex-BIA
student.
Thank you to Patrick De Nul for organising the ‘MEN’S golfday’ to
the benefit of BIA in Oudenaarde, Belgium. We can do a lot with
the money raised there.
Our dream project “Dream in Africa” is running very smoothly.
During the 10 year celebration in Lebbeke the BIA team from the
Netherlands sold more than €700 worth of jewelry in aid of the
project. The jewelry was designed especially for the “Dream in
Africa” project. Please visit the website,
www.DreamInAfrica.com, for more information. We
have already raised €1000 since its conception.
What a brilliant initiative!
Also, during the 10 year celebration a painting by Bel-
gian artist Dirk Ghys was raffled and the amount
raised was €800 Euros. The funds will be used to im-
prove Patricia’s crèche in the Crags. Thank you so
much!
Thanks to the assistance from the godparents and the “Orde van
St Jan van Jerusalem (Hospitaalridders)”, who donated €1000,
4 BIA students could attend a Rotary camp in Cape Town. It was
an incredible experience for the children and we are incredibly
grateful to Frans De Bisschop and the sponsors.
In June 2013 Hilde De Baets, Sofie and Jan Baeke-
landt and a group of other motivated people hosted
their yearly flea market in Zelzeke-Oudenaarde
where an incredible amount of money was raised in
aid of BIA. Thanks guys and well done!
Once again thanks to Lotte Van Buyten and Jan Somers from
GS1 for their donation of USB sticks. These have come in very
handy at the various schools where the children use them for pro-
jects.
Thanks to Adi and the ‘Managers Marathon Club’ for their
painting sales. As a result of your efforts a large amount of money
is being raised.
Godmother Renilde Van de Moer asked that all birthday gifts be
donated to BIA. An amount of 600 Euros will be used to build a
new house for Dadrian Windvogel and we are so greatful for this!
Mieke Gypens, thanks to you the BIA organisation has received
lots of sport material from Nike ELC. Thank you to Nike and Mieke!

Peter Otten and his team from ‘Ketchum Belgium’ held a brain-
storming meeting to streamline the networking and communication
routes of BIA. Thank you to the entire team for your efforts and
brilliant ideas.
Visit this link to see the Siya Phambili ladies in action. Thanks
to Leva Kwestana. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHUVfrk6FH4
Annick Proesmans organised a benefit in aid of BIA. The festivi-
ties raised €800. Our sincere thanks go out to Annick.
Krista Vleeschouwer, ex-BIA volunteer and godmother along with
her family, Jeu and Mathieu, donated a brilliant amount to BIA.
We really appreciate the gesture, thanks Krista and thank you to
your family.
Last year we sold cards in aid of BIA. The initiative was
lead by Lieve Platteau, BIA boardmember. This produced
more than 2500 Euros. Thanks Lieve for your hard work.

Big Thank you for your monthly donation: Tinneke en Joost Bogaert-Verlinden, Victor Poelmans-Lambrights, De Schouwer Henri en Martine, Fons Cools,
Meeus-Verheyen, Moers-Scheepmans, Hollanders, Yvan Vandenabeele, Gilbert Verheecke, Van Steertegem-De Temmerman, Leona De Smet, Van Den
Eynde- Lemmens, Geert & Sandra Vandermaliere, Rosa Flamand, Hans Vermeersch Thank you: Koen Thomas, Jeroom De Clerque Poverello, Hilde De
Baets, De Bisschop Ivo, Georges en Arlette De Smul, Flamand Rosa/ Shuttle Service Eke-Nazareth, Arens, Vliegen, Van Humbeek, Golf en countryclub VZW
Oudenaarde Senioren, Charles Stommels, Roger De Hertogh, Dirk Lindemans, Dhondt Rene, Van Hecke Achiel, Posschelle-Wauter, Kelchtermans-Dierckx,
De Baets Jacqueline, Frans & Marijke Pauwels-Sas, Henri Theunissen, Van Hove-Deblaer, Veithen Carole, Bulens-Abts, De Backer-Caramazana Carcamo,
Marlise Kilgus, Klaus en Birgit(Biggy) Schuler, Kimmerle Manuela, Van de Werf-Coulier, Henderickx Nicole, Gheys-Wielandt, Proesmans Annick, Vermeersch
Hans, Jasmijn Deforche, Wageningen University, Vanoppen-indesteege, Verlinden-Vanbaelenberghe, Inner Wheel Club Lokeren, O.S.J. Prioraat Lage Lan-
den, Leenknegt-Brouckaert, Lieve Platteau, Belga News Agency, Antonius Scheffer, Familie Caillau - Dries Suzane, Van Wetswinkel Chevremont, Willy en
Esther Luyten - Marien, Pieters Walter, Ghesquiere notaris, Beschut wonen Noord-Limburg, Dewyngaert-De Bael, Van De Moer Gaston, Jan Dewyngaert, De
Thier-Dujardin, Claes-Dewijngaert, Dewijngaert-Roskam, Verbeek-Dewijngaert, Van De Moer-Baeten, Van De Moer-Engels, Vercammen Edmond, Dewijngaert
Annie, Verrept-Janssens, Cassimon-Vanbrabant, Hostess-Select BVBA, ADD Business BVBA, Verspeelt Evelyne, Vermeulen-Jorissen, Jaja BVBA, Sibiet,
Web Estate BVBA -Kristof De Neys, Wuyts, Van De Vyver-Verbruggen, Gillebeers-Hens, C.S.L.Management BV, Purnal-Penne, Noppe, Cerus BVBA, VDV
Accountants BVBA, M. Vandenplas, Lambrechts-Lybaert, Claes Distribution CVBA, Vyncke, JJ Heijnen

Godparenting Fees are changing from €250 to €300

For the last 10 years since BIA was established, the cost of sponsoring a child was 250 Euros per year. With this
amount we have been able to purchase a school uniform, offer daily mentorship, ensure the child attends one edu-
cational camp and an educational outing per annum. Due to the rise in costs in South Africa, we have had to in-
crease the yearly amount to 300 Euros. We have been postponing the increase as long as possible, but to ensure
the children receive the same excellent assistance, the amount has been raised with immediate effect. You can now
pay as follows:
Monthly payment of 25 Euros, Quarterly payment of 75 Euros or a Yearly payment of 300 Euros.
You are welcome to contact BIA should you have any queries and we thank you for your understanding and con-
tinuous support.
 Belgium celebrates BIA 10 year anniversary!
Catering for 300 people is not an easy task, but of course
nothing the BIA team cannot handle. In true rotation fashion
the guests firstly were treated to watching the new BIA film.
Questions on hand were answered by Isabelle which was
really helpful. The guests were also treated to a glimpse into
our ‘Dream in Africa’ project by Eric Breuker who established
the project in conjunction with BIA Netherlands. Tessy’s room
is a project in the Crags which originated in Plettenberg Bay,
by BIA volunteer Tessy Willems. She and a group of
dedicated BIA volunteers built an additional room for a crèche.
This project was also featured.
Eric Breuker of BIA Netherlands has a group of BIA
supporters enthralled with the “My dream in Africa” project!
Looking back at this incredible afternoon, we are so blessed
to have so many incredible people involved in our
organisation. It was a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to
see each other, forge new friendships, dream together, brain-
storm about future BIA activities, and enjoy the fruits of our
Songs from Lien & Bart, a traditional South African “braai” and labour. The event sparked new motivation to not only dream
a beautiful birthday cake was on the menu and enjoyed by all but to achieve greatness, in aid of the children from the town-
who attended.
ships in the Bitou area.
Special thanks goes to:
Wines De Smedt, Roger & Rita for the wine & location
Supermarkt Magda for the food
Bakkerij Erard for the birthday cake & bread
Hilde De Baets for the jumping castle
VDB Construct for the tents
Koffie Bresor, Paul Van Himst for the coffee
Movaert for the flowers

Big thanks goes to our chairman

During the afternoon’s festivities a cheque was handed to BIA Georges De Smul for the organisation!
from De Managers Marathon Club. Ex BIA volunteer Jasper
Louwijk was the lucky winner of an original painting by Dirk Well done to each and everyone of you who assisted,
Ghys - famous Belgian artist. whether it be big or small. Your help made a difference.

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

Would you like to get involved?

Contact person in
South Africa
Isabelle De Smul – Brink
P.O. Box 1674
Plettenberg Bay 6600
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0) 44 533 6271
Cell: +27 (0) 82 857 2345
isabelle@borninafrica.org
Donations are always welcome!
Contact people between
Belgium and South Africa
Lieve & Remi De Backer
Cell: +32 (0) 47 528 3873
remi.de.backer@telenet.be
Contact people in Belgium Contact people in: -
Norway
Arlette & Georges De Smul
R. Dalechamplaan 4 Toralf Nordbotten
1200 Brussels toralfn@online.no
Belgium
Germany
Tel/Fax: +32 (0) 27 706 916
Cell: +32 (0) 49 612 2361 Dr. Reinhard Schydlo
georges.de.smul@gmail.com rschydlo@aol.com
The Netherlands
Chantal Van Summeren
Chantal@borninafrica.org

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