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Aloha, ClassBIA–
Congratulations, of 2020!
graduates!

We are looking for Congratulations to the Class of 2020! Our Gr 12 pupils who have done us remarkably proud by
new godparents overcoming adversities in this very difficult year. They all stand on the brink of embarking on their
to support more future plans individually and will go forth into the big wide world, with the knowledge they have been
children taught at home, school and at their respective ‘Born in Africa’ group sessions.
As many of you know, ‘Born in Africa’ was established in the year 2002. Remarkably many of these students
More information to pictured here above were born in that year! Also the majority of them have been in the ‘Born in Africa’
become programme since they entered Gr 1 which means their entire school careers they have received the support
a godparent: of ‘Born in Africa’ in many forms. Attending camps, outings, various extramural ‘Born in Africa’ activities,
group sessions and of course individual counselling which has all really helped to shape these young adults.
www.borninafrica.org
Yes, we continue to remain strict with our tertiary study rules in that the students need to obtain at least 55%
to qualify for a ‘Born in Africa’ bursary and we are awaiting their final Gr 12 results with anticipation to make
the final decision which is best for them, with them.

! 2020 only !

In Belgium, you
receive a 60%
tax reduction
for donations of
€40 and more to
Born in Africa!

A beautiful Gr 12 graduation dinner was held at The Burnt Orange restaurant where we paid homage to each
student individually. A beautiful dinner was enjoyed by all with wonderful conversation and stories shared of
them growing up. No party is complete without dancing and we know just how talented our youngsters are!
Thanks to all involved in making this a very special and memorable evening. Thank you Jane & Alan Bradley
for the sponsoring of this dream evening.

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.
 2020 what a year!
2020 was a difficult year to say the least, but the Born in Africa team overcame many adversities
and adapted rapidly to the new normal.

We played it safe by adhering to the safety measures.
Masks are compulsory, we ensured we sanitised our
children’s hands, we kept safe social distance, continued to
monitor temperatures and where necessary, quarantines
were implemented. To date, this has been a huge success
and none of our children or staff has contracted Covid-19 at
our centers during our care.
As soon as we could we restarted our Adopt a Swimmer,
Learn to Surf and Nippers Life Saving programmes.
With the epidemic many families really struggled financially
and to alleviate this we provided all 350 learners with a
food voucher, two food parcels and a blanket.

In January we provided the 350 school

going children in the programme a full
uniform as we do each year. Given the
circumstances, we were only able to host
three camps. The camp theme was Drama
& Acting and the children who attended the
camps had an absolute ball.

Our team this year also adjusted their timetables to teach

English and Math classes. A total of 50 children were part
of an online MobyMax homeschooling course where
they practiced math, language, reading, vocabulary, social
studies and science daily. Over 150 learners were able to
utilise the centers to use an online math’s and English
programme IXL. All ‘Born in Africa’ primary school children
were provided with extra math books called ‘Slimkoppe’.
So many dreams were also realised which included the
following: home make-over, bicycles, beds and linen, toys,
math books, rebuilding of a house, painting of rooms,
baking sets, hair and nail sets, matric farewell, electric
lights, Adventure Land, Ashante’s extra room, pizza outing,
clothing vouchers and blankets. We were incredibly lucky
that we were still able to continue our dream project
despite of Covid-19 and that sponsorship still came in to
brighten the lives of the children.

In terms of our tertiary programme, 41 children received

a full study bursary. Another fantastic achievement is that
we had 38 fully sponsored ‘Born in Africa’ students who
attended Wittedrift High school. Six of our Born in Africa
Wittedrift High students were elected for the prefects team
of 2021; one of whom has been elected to be the
Deputy-Head Girl of the school!

The ‘Born in Africa’ library was open daily for all our
learners in Kranshoek.

We also continued to support our children with their

medical needs as well as visits to the optometrist. A brilliant
innovation this year was that we were able to support all
our children and university students with WIFI, this was
branched out into The Crags and Wittedrift as well.

This year we reached 4,000 likes on Facebook. The most

favourite post on Facebook was the Jerusalema Challenge
movie we made. Almost 14,000 people watched the movie
and it reached over 35,000 people.

The website is fully functional and very user-friendly. We

were able to host nine volunteers this year whose stay
was cut short due to Covid-19. We decided to host a
farewell for our 16 Gr 12 students as this year no official
farewell was held.

Thanks to everyone involved!


355 students received a full
sessions on drug awareness,
uniform, stationery and a
backpack
Over 220 children received
More than 100 children recei-
extra maths in the afternoon
ved online maths and English
in their own ‘Slimkoppe’
maths books
Three drama themed camps
with children from
Grade 1 to 7
More than 100 children lear-
ned the dance moves to the
Jerusalema song and
danced in BIA’s video
We managed to feed many
families thanks to
Woolworths, KwikSpar and
Le Fournil
Activities 2020
Our mentors hosted group
9 volunteers assisted with
educational activities, home-
COVID-19, positivity and
work classes, camps and life
abuse to enrich BIA
skills projects
children’s lives
Career guidance was offered
to Gr 10-12 pupils to help
them make the right choices!
classes
A group of 17 BIA children
14 children learned to surf completed the “Learn to
Swim” programme
All of mentor Marita’s
We took part in the Anton Van
children planted flowers at
Wilderode Poem competition
the educational centre in
and won a few prizes
loving memory of her
700 food parcels and
350 vouchers were handed ‘Born in Africa’ handed out
out to our ‘Born in Africa’ 350 blankets to all its children
families. to keep warm in winter
W
We suppported a total of 41
tertiary students studying at
universities, skills colleges
and technicons
We financially supported 38
students at Wittedrift High
school by offering them full
bursaries
29 students attended “Adopt
a Swimmer” and 13 other BIA
learners attended Nippers
Karen Karen
15 children saw Karen
the dentist,
doctor, skin specialist or
optometrist
Dreams can come true at
Born in Africa and this year
we realised a total number of
340 dreams!
 Our Graduates!
To qualify for a study bursary through Born in Africa we require an average of at least 55%. This will enable the
student to study at a college or university towards a certificate or national diploma. Should the student obtain an
average of 65%, he or she qualifies to apply to study a degree at a university of the student’s choice. These rules
have been in place for many years and testify to the success rate of our graduates. We are strict, but fair!

Roseline Blouw has Kay-Lynn Smith hails from

graduated from Nelson Kurland Village, The Crags and
Mandela University in Port she has completed a
Elizabeth as a qualified 1 year higher certificate in
Foundation Phase Teacher! Events Management at
We are so proud of you Rozzy Varsity College in Port
and your family, from Kurland Elizabeth. With this certificate
Village in The Crags are over she can follow in her mother’s
the moon. Any school will be footsteps! Well done!
happy to have you.

Judy Mintoor, single mother of two, Nida Nursing school is a highly

has finally graduated as a Foundation esteemed institution in Cape Town
Phase teacher! She completed seven where Jonell Hendricks completed
years of online studies through UNISA her 1 year Nursing Assistant course.
while working as an assistant teacher at She is now ready to work in any
Wittedrift Primary school during the day. reputable hospital !
Well done!

Verushka Damons this year Megan Van Tura who has always
completed a one year higher been our champion netball player
certificate in Legal Studies at has just graduated from Varsity
Varsity College in Port College in Port Elizabeth with her
Elizabeth. She comes from one year Higher Certificate in
Kranshoek and after Events Management. This is cer-
graduation she will be able to tainly not the end of the road for
work as a legal secretary. It’s Megan and we wish her all the best
been a tough year, but she for the future!
has made it! Congratulations!

Where are our Alumni students now?

Over the years, Born in Africa boasts over 50 students who successfully finished their further studies with the
help of a Born in Africa study bursary. We stay in touch with our graduates and want to share the stories of
where some of our alumni are, anno 2020.

Miss Adija Hartley is currently a teacher at Kranshoek Primary which is her home town and where she grew
up. Adija completed her Bachelor of Education at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port
Elizabeth. She has also been one of the lucky Born in Africa students to visit her godparents in Belgium in
the past. Adija graduated from Wittedrift High school as she was one of the bursary recipients.
Cameron Stuurman currently works for the South African Police Service in the
Forensic Department. He proudly accepted this position after graduating with his
Masters degree in Forensic Anthropology at Stellenbosch University. Cameron hails
from the small Griekwa community of Kranshoek and attended Wittedrift High.

Charne Majavie, who works as a physiotherapist in Plettenberg Bay, completed her

Honour’s degree in Physiotherapy at the University of the Western Cape, in Cape
Town. She also has three younger sisters, all of whom in the Born in Africa programme
and they live in Kranshoek.

Shenice Stuurman, (picture on the right) who graduated with her Honour’s degree in
Business Management now works for the Bitou Municipality in the Accounts
Department. Shenise assists her mother in supporting their family at home, in
Mervin September, who was so determined to succeed despite his academic record which counted against
him, enrolled himself at South Cape College in Mossel Bay and convinced Born in Africa to give him a
chance and support his studies. He has qualified as a high voltage Electrical Engineer and is working for the
Bitou Municipality now! We couldn’t be more proud! Well done you all!
 Godparents in the spotlight
Born in Africa wouldn’t be the organisation it is today without the many godparents who support and motivate
their godchildren every day. They also inspire us to do better year in year out, which is why we find their
experiences and insights so valuable! Read how these couples experience being a godparent with BIA ...

Edwin & Annie Demuynck from Belgium are godparents of Lunisha Brandt

How did you come to hear about the ‘Born in Africa’ programme? It
happened rather accidental. We were planning a trip to South Africa for
friends and Edwin searched online for a social project to visit. We mailed
Isabelle to arrange a visit for our group of 10. We were instantly impressed
by the professional and efficient organisation we were welcomed in. It
wasn’t long before we knew we all wanted to become godparents. It
strengthened our friendship by being godparents together.

What attracted you most in the programme to sponsor a child? The

fact that you can give a child the opportunity to attend school and develop
further, also in sports, that way ensuring a better future for that child. We
could see the positive influence of the mentors’ life skills sessions on the
mental and social wellbeing in the children too.

What are your dreams for your ‘Born in Africa’ children? We hope they realise their dream and study further! That
way, they can practice a nice occupation and become financially independent. Maybe they can become a godparent
themselves!

Do you have any future suggestions you would like to see happen in the programme? We hope to see the
alumni being motivated to be an example for the younger kids. Like Nelson Mandela once motivated all literate people
on Robben Island to teach another inmate who couldn’t read or write with the words: “Each one teach one”.

Why should people become godparents? A letter, a small present, the regular correspondence ... it gives such
feeling of satisfaction to see your ‘Born in Africa’ child is doing well at school and is proud to send their report card, to
tell you what their dreams are, that’s when you know you’re making a difference. Know that children aren’t just being
supported at school but they’re also being motivated to engage in sports and cultural activities!

Kees & Kitty van Helbergen from The Teresa & Steve Carr from the United
Netherlands are godparents of Regino Kingdom are godparents of Melinda
Van Rooyen and Kelsey Kriga Kivido

We got to know Born We first heard about

in Africa in 2006. BIA about four years
With a great deal of ago when we met Alan
enthusiasm and and Jane and started
passion, Remi and making donations for a
Lieve took us around couple of beds every
The Crags and its year. Not realising the
primary school. There and then we decided to embrace extent of what ‘Born in
this project. Most of all, it was the love and commitment Africa’ does.
of the BIA team that convinced us.
The structure, plan of action and financial management Two years ago, we helped to deliver some beds and
are of such high level that we know we can put our trust dreams and visited the ‘Born in Africa’ office to meet
in BIA. The importance of education and the reports on the team for the first time. It was only then we saw the
the development of our godchildren we receive make us wonderful way you are helping local communities.
feel very involved.
It was then that we decided that we could do more and
The dream we have for our godchildren is that they grab decided to become godparents. Our dreams and hopes
the opportunity we give them and become for our goddaugh-
self-sustainable adults. We hope they can build the ter Melinda are
foundation to carry out BIA’s mission statement further. that she can
It’d be great if they become aware of their importance make the most of
as role models in their own communities. For Born in her education
Africa’s sustainability, we believe it is crucial for the and become a
organisation to maintain the staff’s integrity at the high well grounded
level it is now! This is why we continue supporting our responsible adult
godchildren. For other godparents we would like to give with the ability to
this little piece of advice: “Keep believing in your child, achieve her
in good and bad times, as their circumstances are often ambitions.
very challenging.”
 The work of a mentor never stops
Mentor activities
We have been kept incredibly busy
during this time working with our
children and monitoring their safety
constantly. We assisted them to
complete their beautiful Christmas
cards for their godparents. This is an
activity which the children loved and
each card made was truly unique
with much love and effort going into
each one. Sexual abuse is a topic which needed to gain much
more attention and we spent time with this topic tutoring our
children on how to speak out and keep safe! Positivity during
this year was important and offering valuable tools to our learn-
ers on how to cope was a wonderful activity to complete with
them. We also did individual sessions with each one of the 400
children to gather new information for our year end reports. Next
to the social side, our mentors were very busy this year to keep
up the academic side of the learners’ development.
The ‘Born in Africa’ team would like to take this opportunity to
thank each and every godparent for believing in our children and
continuing to support them. You are changing lives and this is
wonderful to witness from our side.
Farewell Juff Marita
It is with great
sadness that we
bid farewell to our
mentor Marita who
sadly passed on
earlier this year.
Marita was mentor
to our Kranshoek
learners for 13
years.
Marita played a major role in the development of many
children's lives. Due to the Covid-19 rules and regulations
of public gatherings, ‘Born in Africa’ staff and children
were not permitted to attend her funeral. We therefore
decided to do something special to pay homage to this
very special lady. We invited all our Born in Africa children
in small groups to attend an intimate gathering where they
could write something special for Marita in a book which
we handed over to her family. Candles were lit and a spe-
cial flower garden was planted for our loving mentor too.
This way Marita will continue to live on in our lives each
day! It’s goodbye but you will never be forgotten!

Our Sports & Recreation Centre

Progress at the plot where our future Sports and Recreation Centre Rita Huysman will happen isn’t going as we had hoped,
but we want to keep you informed on this exciting project nonetheless! Building plans are still to be accepted by the Municipal-
ity which is taking much longer than normal because of (you guessed it…) Covid-19! In the meantime, the concrete slab is
happily being used to play on by our kiddies though! Thanks to our BIA Swiss team and Stichting Kinderen Voorop we now
also have soccer goals and basketball posts for the coolest Sports and Cultural Centre to be!

Happy Birthday to you!

January 16 Pluim Tashmira April
2 Hannies Timothy & Booysen Micail 17 Loggenberg Roxanne & Saaiman Marian 5 Myburgh Nathan & Mbopa Anelisa
2 Solomons AJ & Sam Shauneal 17 Philander Ashronique 7 Plaatjies Jean-Pierre
4 Ruiters Amber-Lee 18 Mabokela Ava & Van Wyk Tyla 8 Kam Kaylene
6 Christiaans Tiffany & Kam Lee-Ray 18 Kam Mizaan & Esau Alexis 9 Patterson Marcell & Botha Nikita
7 Kriga Glennique & Jordaan Linique 18 Snyders Carleigh & Mc Lean Catelyn 9 Bukuva Ozuko
7 Damonds Lene 19 Davids Tasmia & Mdlazi Bongani 10 De Vos Noël
8 Damons Verushka & Jones Kayleigh 19 Primo Alezandro 11 Oliphant Samila
10 Kriga Ash-Moray 20 Cloete Lenishia 13 Jantjies Aidin
13 Gysman Llu-esha 21 Seedat Cheiniel 15 Branders Nicole
15 Christians Lauren 22 Bailey Aydon 16 Barnard Tiffany
16 Kortjie Jamie-Lee 23 Jasson Caeleb & De Vries Luran 17 Winnaar Nikita
17 Jeftha Levenia & Gantshu Phelo 25 Welcome Rushé & Kamm Zanele 18 Arendse Milano
18 Tarr Thomas 26 Stemmet Ashanti 20 Kriga Tyra
19 Krigga Rivaldo & White Mary-jane 27 Kriga Yasmine & Le Fleur Avery 21 Christoffels Jay-Cee & Damons Courtney
20 Maxim Ruvenia March 25 Mitchell Heallasté & Mouton Annilin
21 Madolo Hlumisa 1 McClean Noah 27 Kannemeyer Duncan & Kandan Mishiloh
22 Grootboom Aubenn & Wiesie Sade 2 Loggenberg Mickaylah 28 Salmans Brihantis & Barnardo Lenché
23 Gqwaru Indiphile & Cedras Hylene 3 Bailey Dionay 29 Everson Nezaam
25 Mbutye Zintle 3 Christians Rayme-Lee & Oraai Giniva 30 Dawids Veronique
26 Johnson Joé-Nita 4 Lourens Akeisha
27 Arendse Chevonne & Davids Leandré 7 Karnie Chloe & Oliphant Amonique May
27 Van Wyk Elzane 8 Hendrickse Mercia & Luiters Rashida 2 Loff Micheline & Simon Alwynia
28 Ras Preston 8 Davids Hayley 7 Windvogel Valentino
30 Kiewiets Shakeelah & Mahiti Jemiel 9 Loff Miecole 8 Christoffels Sharné
10 Everson Yazied 9 Le Fleur Sethlynn & Nkohla Sisipho
February 11 Windvogel Celesté & Mvangeli Akho 11 Thombe Tracy
1 Andrews Anchen & Thys Auriel 11 Thys Lulecia & Mintoor Alvinio 12 Snyders Kayleen
2 Majavie Merone & Beauzick Nervaan 12 Sonamzi Athanathi & Prins Graigen-Lee 13 Mopondo Monique & Springbok Sihle
3 Paulse Cassie & Baartman Jazmin 13 Booysen Tiffany 13 Smith Kay-Lilly & Simons Zarah
3 Wellman Ameera 14 Barnardo Galithea 14 Kamm Brengeline & August Gaylene
4 Harker Ethan 15 Lidziya Amkele 14 Arendse Romeo
5 Martin Amor & Alexander Lameez 17 Lourens Fabia 15 Pypes Tamsyn & Pedro Franchesca
7 Odidi Asivile & Jones Eunecia 18 Abrahams Chloe & Mellem Terri 16 Muller Zoe
7 Velem Lelethu & Dlokolo Thina 20 Dyers Kehano & Links Candice 18 Barnardo Kimlin
8 Jansen Adrian 21 Olieslager Aiden 19 Jonkerman Devenisha & Kriga Shadé
9 Ellenbrugh Eshlin & Hoffman Nadine 22 Carelse Kayleigh 20 Frans Veruscka & Ngwenya Delight
9 Jeftha Shawndry & Matshikiza Esona 23 Kivido Melinda 21 van Rooyen Chloe & Fortuin Lee-Ann
9 Powie Chesmea 24 Jacobs Nicole & Jansen Melia 22 Mintoor Dalyn
11 September Chloe 25 Williams Herschelle & Davids Akhumzi 25 Thys Faithlin
12 Myburgh Faith 26 De Waal Jaimee-Leigh 26 Pypes Tamrin & Dawids Ashaylla
14 Dawids Jeneen 28 Morris Sue-Leigh & Chasaweka Maranatha 27 Beukes Doniva
15 Dirkse Jany-Rose & Burricks Jamelia 29 Sam Lihlombe 28 Nyumba Angeline
15 Mitchell Zinzia 31 Jansen Dovyone 31 Gainsford Amber
 Thank you!
Thank you, Anna and Patrick De Vleeschouwer for making your jam
once again and supporting online learning for our kids in a delicious
way. UK supporters of ‘Born in Africa’ also sponsored the online
home-schooling project, which was crucial throughout the Covid-19
crisis!
Nicole Catteeuw and Kristel Vandenschrieck sold
paintings and delivered meals at home to make their
godchild Ashante’s dream come true! Well done and
thanks for all you two do!
We thank Marie-Thérèse Marrant and her team of the annual Friend-
ship party to organise a fundraiser for Born in Africa again. This year we
are proud of the amazing article in your newspaper to raise money for the
homework books.
Thank you Remi and Lieve De Backer for the lovely end of year dinner
for our staff! We appreciate you two so much!
Thank you BIA Meetjesland, Maria Depoortere, Emma Gerres and
Thuishulp OLV for the donation of the many T-shirts and fleece jumpers!

Renier Vanhaerents is running 50 miles for ‘Born in Africa’ on 12th Thanks Ivo & Yola De Smet- Hoeykens, Anneleen & Chris for making
December! Check out his goals on: www.renier.run/bia, make a and selling face masks in aid of Born in Africa. Thanks to you and your
donation to give him that little push in the back and that way sponsoring many friends, we can provide WIFI.
our online classes too!
Luc, Roger and Rita De Smedt we are grateful you continued your
amazing wine sale this year where you donate €2.5 per bottle to ‘Born
Thank you for all the virtual
in Africa! We also congratulate and thank Marnick and Chantal
Blomme for their amazing order of 166 boxes!
love and support!
We thank the Municipality of Sint- Lambrechts- Woluwe for
supporting four of our tertiary students.
We are grateful for Roger and Rita De Smedt who take care of the 900
application for a grant from their Municipality Lebbeke, where ‘Born in godparents
4000+ 400
Africa’ has been home for 17 years already!
BIA kids
Thank you Matthew Tindell and Toralf Nordbotten for sponsoring the
swimming classes for our group that is part of Nipper Club Plett.
FB page likes

Thanks for the soccer goals and basketball posts for our Sports and
Culture centre, our Swiss team Gabriele & Katrin Bacciarini and
‘Stichting Kinderen voorop’. Jerusalema 500+
challenge
Thank you, Sigrid De Munck from GAOS for the amazing donation to
‘Born in Africa’s study bursary programme!
+13 000 views Followers
Vanderzanden NV thank you for the donation to the study bursary
fund!

Thank you Hans Gunnar Løken for you very nice birthday donation.

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 Le Fournil. Food was distributed weekly during Covid-19 crisis!
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. Put Born in Africa in your will or donate through a duo legacy.
Lenaerts-Van Opstal, Familiepraktijk Goossens-Maes, M. Asselberghs, P. Hendriks, Vanop- Even when you are no longer here, you can still make a difference to the education
pen-Indesteege, I. Bracke, A. Lemmens, J. en J. Van Holsbeke, M. Verhagen, R. De Rycke of a Born in Africa child. If Born in Africa is close to your heart, you can put us in
your will. That way you can give Born in Africa a little push in the back even when
Thank you corporates you have passed on. Supporting Born in Africa and making your heirs profit is also
for the tertiary study possible, through a duo legacy. The duo legacy is a legal way through which your
funds! heirs can receive more than through a regular inheritance and you can support a
good cause at the same time. When you donate through a duo legacy, Born in
Africa will take all of the inheritance taxes on their account. Both Born in Africa, as
an accepted organisation, and your heirs will profit from this! To get a better idea of
your own situation, please do not hesitate to contact your own solicitor or Jaak
MABO MiM VZW Inktco bvba Leenknegt at Born in Africa (jaak.leenknegt@gmail.com).

Thank you for your donations: T. Flandrin T., Michiels-Pote, P. Nieuwejaers, C. Depuydt, C. Vanderstichele, Eylenbosch-Cornelis, S. Ceuterick, G. &
A. De Smul, A. Goethals, E. Marrecau, K. Vanhaerents, S. Vieren, Snowflake Research Advisor, V. Cosyns, A. Kontakis, Vandenbranden-Brys, P.
Vanbrabant, Degreve Real Estate, H. & E. De Puydt-Meskens, E. & L. Degreve-Fastenaekels, B. Rollier, A. Ophelie, A. De Ridder, W. Degreve, B.
Burssens, B. Dalle-Piessen, Immo Heremans Robbe, J. Schoonbaert, Hoek, L E M, H. Venmans, JK. Leutscher, G. Francken, P. Delva, L. De Peuter,
P. Van Parys, E. Vermunicht, R. & J. Vandenplas-Schoeters, B. Reniers, J. & S. Verwee-Van Damme, H. De Wit, W. Baert, C. Verbruggen, J. Claes, E.
Wauters, P. & C. Geens-Vanhaerents, L. Van Roy, H. Vanhaerents, Medisch Kabinet, V. Vergauwen, A. De Croock, Engels-Vankeerberghen,
Mosselmans-Wauters, J. Van Roy, A. Grutman

M. Redman, T. & S.Carr, P. Melis, L. Vynckier, J. Laenens, F. Mertens, C. Debuysscher, Van Zwijgenhoven-Vandersteegen, M. Everaert, L. Zaman,
Vanoppen-Indesteege, A. Van Hecke, Verheyen, A. Marrant, P. Goes, Sucaet-Decraemere, Brooks, Van Daele-Van Der Linden, A. Swinnen. A. Rigo,
H. Van Velthoven, Ameele-Saelens, M. Heirbaut, H. Dewitte. Torrekens-Casier, F. Kennes, J. Blommaert, Torrekens-Casier, J. Daemelinck, Parochie
Klein Sinaai Leeft, M. Van Bastelaere, P. Marrant, C. Verheyen, Kimu-Kata BV, J. Van Nuffel, Vandersanden NV, Euroclear Bank, Oorts-Hannes, Grau-
wzusters Franciscanessen, Van Den Goor-Geens, M. Bergen. (donations received before 15 November 2020)
 Exciting news!
‘Born in Africa’ started issuing tax certificates
in Belgium from 2008 which is a sign of its
trustworthiness and transparency as an NGO.
This year an official went through ‘Born in Africa’s figures,
dissecting every transaction and making sure the money
being raised actually benefits the children of ‘Born in Africa’.
After a thorough investigation with lots of questions, long
phone calls and us making sure all documents were handed in,
the official was satisfied knowing exactly what our
sponsors’ money is spent on. We received the amazing news
that we can issue tax certificates for six more years; until
2027! Belgian tax payers can still enjoy a 60% tax deduction
for donations made in 2020 too!
We couldn’t have pulled this off if it wasn’t for Jaak &
Christine Leenknegt who took this application upon themselves
and Georges & Arlette De Smul for sending them the neces-
sary documents. Thank you for all the time you put in this!
Even in a year like 2020 where a lot of our learn-
ers had to deal with setbacks at home and at
school, they keep their creativity flowing!
Lots of children handed in their poem to compete in the
Belgian poetry competition “Anton van Wilderode”. Lieve
de Backer, wife of our SA Chairman, takes it upon herself to
read every poem and send it in for the respective age group.
This year we are proud to announce our two winners; Jodien
Booysen from Harkerville Primary school and Craig Kampher
of Plett Secondary school! They both received amazing
shopping vouchers for a shop of their choice!
We want to thank the team of the AVW competition, Lieve
and Remi for always making time to read, correct and
evaluate our children’s poems. It’s so special for our kids to
compete and even win in a competition at the other side of
the world! Thanks for giving them this opportunity.

Our dream team!

As you saw on the overview on page three of this newsletter, we boast with more than 300
dreams that came true this year! This is all thanks to our amazing dream team from the UK,
Jane and Alan, and some independent dream sponsors!
‘Born in Africa’ children went out to lunch, received toys, cupboards, beds and bedding, went swim-
ming and got special maths books all thanks to Jane and Alan! This amazing couple makes a lot of
dreams come true year after year and the most special one in 2020 was probably the matric farewell
which your read all about in this newsletter on page one. Jane and Alan took all costs related to the
dinner upon themselves and even provided our best students with solar study lights. Thanks, you guys
rock!
Some other dreams came true thanks to independent sponsors. Ashanté Tarentaal saw her new bedroom being built
thanks to her godparents Nicole & Kristel! Born in Africa Meetjesland sponsored blankets for all 350 children which
kept them warm throughout winter. Thank you all for all your kind donations and gestures, we really appreciate you all!

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 Contact person in Contact person in
Belgium and South Africa South Africa Norway
Arlette & Georges De Smul Toralf Nordbotten
Lieve & Remi De Backer Isabelle De Smul–Brink
R. Dalechamplaan 4 toralfn@online.no
remi.de.backer@telenet.be P.O. Box 1674
1200 Brussels, Belgium
Cell: +32 (0) 47 528 3873 Plettenberg Bay 6600 Germany
RPR Brussel
South Africa Dr. Reinhard Schydlo
georges.de.smul@gmail.com
Cell: +32 (0) 49 612 2361 Tel: +27 (0) 44 533 6271 rschydlo@aol.com
Cell: +27 (0) 82 857 2345 The Netherlands
isabelle@borninafrica.org Chantal Van Summeren
United Kingdom chantal@borninafrica.org
Nick & Penny Brooks Corporate fundraiser
nickandpenny@borninafrica.org Jaak Leenknegt
Donations are always welcome! jaak.leenknegt@gmail.com
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