Born in Africa Newsletter August 2019
Born in Africa Newsletter August 2019
Born in Africa Newsletter August 2019
Newsletter A U G U S T 2 0 1 9
It’s all over the news, we produce too much waste and lots of plastic and recyclables end up in our
oceans. Therefore, Born in Africa strives to equip their children with knowledge and skills to reduce
waste in the communities around Plettenberg Bay.
Educational coordinator Véronique Claes organised ‘The World Gadget Factory’ in the primary schools of
Kranshoek and The Crags, a programme that makes children aware of the different kinds of pollution around
the world, lets them think about ways to reduce waste within their home and community and then encourages
them to use waste items to make a cool gadget!
In addition, children of Born in Africa learned about electricity so they could integrate a light bulb or propeller
to their gadgets. Volunteer Liliane brought these cool electrical components all the way from Belgium earlier
this year! Children worked hard creating an airplane out of toilet rolls or a whole house out of cardboard, they
even made their own trophy from a plastic bottle!
To end off this fun programme and reward
everyone for their hard work, an exciting ‘show
and tell’ afternoon took place in both schools
after which everyone went home with a cool
prize, lots of new knowledge and skills and a
proud feeling! We are the ones that can make a
change for the future of our planet and as Born
in Africa’s slogan says: “Together we can make
a difference!”
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.
Graduation time for our students!
Tertiary costs in South Africa are astronomically high and very few high school graduates can afford to study.
Born in Africa saw the huge need to assist our young people who deserve to further their studies towards their
dream career. The Born in Africa study bursary includes full payment of tuition, accommodation, meals, books,
stationary, the supply of a laptop and other miscellaneous items our students might need. Here, you can read the
success stories!
Firstly, I want to thank you for helping me with achieving my goals. As almost "Chef" I've learned that you should put
your career in the hands of the right people - I’m happy that I chose Born in Africa.
I've received the fabulous news that I will be doing my practical this
year in Paarl at the restaurant called Jewel. The head chef is one of the
best in South Africa and I’m excited to work under him. We start on the
1st August . I grew up in Kranshoek, just outside Plettenberg Bay. I
always knew that I was destined for bigger things because I always
believed in myself and then it happened. Once I graduated from
Wittedrift High School I was accepted to study at the prestigious NQTac
hospitality college in George. Looking back I must admit there were
many moments when I thought: “Wow, the workload is just huge!”, but
of course, I am not a person to ever give up and my hard work has paid
off! The slogan I live by says it all, “If I don't sow now, I won't be able to reap my fruits Evana Wiesie
in the future.” I've learned things that I didn't even knew existed but I'm one of the Culinary Arts
lucky children. I love the environment I'm in with all the lectures and fellow students I'm sur-
rounded with. I can’t thank my godparents and sponsors enough for traveling this incredible journey with me. I am so grateful!
Wise words from Shanice Davids: “Use your circumstances as your motivation, as a vision of what you do not want
to become or as a vision of what your life should not be.”
When I think about the Born in Africa programme the first word that comes to mind is support.
Born in Africa does not only provide me with financial support but is also a support system to me.
Born in Africa has amazing mentors who have given me guidance and support throughout the
years in all aspects of my life. I got accepted into the Born in Africa programme when I was in
Grade 3 (9 years old). Back then, teachers would nominate pupils from their class to be part of
the programme. I was one of the lucky ones to get nominated. Our main source of income is from
a social government grant. My father passed away when I was seven years old. My mother is
unemployed for the greatest part of the year. During the December holidays she works as a
domestic worker for families that are on vacation in Plettenberg Bay. The government grant is not
a lot so my mother also makes placemats and pillows for some additional income. We are five
that need to survive with this income: my mother, my three sisters and myself.
I am studying a Bachelor of Commerce and am currently completing my Honours in Management
Accounting. Last year I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Financial Accounting degree.
My first day on campus at Stellenbosch University was one of the best days of my life. I was one
step closer to my dream career. I am the first in my family to be at university and to me and my
family this was a major milestone. Once I graduate, I will start with my three year articles at an
accounting firm. This is mandatory in order to be an Accountant. After I complete my three year
articles and passed all five board exams I will be a Chartered Management Accountant!
Shanice
A few words of inspiration from me to the youth is to never use your disadvantageous
circumstances as an excuse to not reach your dreams. Thank you godparents and sponsors for Davids
all the support through the years. Apart from helping me to fulfil my dream you also helped take a Financial
lot of burden from my shoulders. I am forever grateful for everything that you have done for me. Accountant
“The challenges you face now are empowering you to overcome the ones yet to come. So put God first, believe in
your capabilities and celebrate your victories - however small they may seem.” - wise words from Cameron Stuurman
In 2012 I started as my first year at Stellenbosch University, however, I did not meet the
minimum requirements for the Bachelor of Science - Human Life Science degree and
was given an opportunity to the extended degree program (EDP). During that year my
mom and I applied for numerous bursaries but all of them came back with an
“unsuccessful” response. At the time my father was unemployed and my mother was
the sole breadwinner. After I successfully completed my first year within EDP, my
results were used to apply to Born in Africa. Thankfully Born in Africa accepted my
application! I am currently in the process of completing a Master of Science in Human
Anatomy (forensic anthropology). My research is focussed on obtaining biological infor-
mation from unknown human skeletal remains with the aim of assisting with victim
identification. This is of great importance given the state of crime within South Africa. I Cameron Stuurman
successfully completed my BSc Human Life Science degree in 2015 and subsequently
went on to do a BSc (Honours) Human Anatomy degree which I completed in 2016. I
Forensic
want to thank Born in Africa for all contributions made, your financial and emotional Anthropologist
support continue to positively influence the paths of so many young lives. Thank you to
all my sponsors for graciously investing in my future. Also, a special thank you to those godparents who made
time to visit me over the years. I really appreciate all of you. I have recently been appointed as a Forensic
Anthropologist at South African Police Services (SAPS) victim identification centre. I plan to continue learning
and developing the necessary skills required for this position but I will also continue my Master of Science
degree and later focus on obtaining my PhD.
Sitting down for a discussion with Judy Mintoor interview style was such a
pleasure and this is what transpired from that conversation!
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Born in
Africa programme? Dreams coming true; Born in Africa gives you the oppor-
tunity to make your dream come true. How did your Born in Africa
Karen position
Karen
commence? Mr Chalmers, my school principal, told me that the Grade 1 teach-
er needed an assistant and I should come for the interview. Upon Karen
the interview
he told me that Born in Africa was providing the money to pay for the assistant. I
was happy with that because I wasn’t working at that time. Who is your support
system? I have a huge support system; my close family, extended family mem-
Judy Mintoor bers, my colleagues at Wittedrift Primary and the whole staff of Born in Africa. I
Teacher am an independent mother of two adorable boys; Alvinio is now 10 years old and
Carlon 18 months old. What are you studying? I am studying a Bachelor of
Education - foundation phase in Teaching through UNISA. After completing my
degree, I will be able to teach Gr. R, 1, 2 and 3. I am doing distance learning which is quite challenging because you don’t have
a lecturer to help you. You must be disciplined and determined when you decide to do distant learning.
Do you have a message for your godparents / sponsors? A huge thank you to my godparents, sponsors and Born in Africa
– without all of you none of this would have been possible. The role you have played is too huge to describe in words and
words alone can never be enough to say how grateful I am. THANK YOU! Once I graduate I want to teach immediately.
Do you have a message for the youth out there? If you have a dream … don’t let go of that dream … keep on believing in it!
Go after what you believe in. Judy, its always a pleasure to meet with you and you are truly an inspiration to so many
around you! Thank you so much!
Educational activities
Typing classes Winter school
Computer skills are becoming an important asset when June marks the middle of the school year and the time
applying for college or a job. Born in Africa children for winter holidays in South Africa, so all hands on
have an advantage in this field thanks to our typing deck at Born in Africa to keep our children busy in a
classes! fun and educational way!
Growing up in the locations around Plettenberg Bay, it isn’t The Born in Africa educational centre was busy with an
common for children to have a laptop or computer at home average of 40 children attending several activities and
which means they don’t learn these skills at an early age. In classes daily over two weeks! Children learnt to crotchet,
The Crags and at the Born in Africa education centre in played mathematical games, practised their typing and
Kranshoek, our learners can now attend typing classes on reading skills and learned basketball tactics! Mentor Cath-
a weekly basis! Using an online programme where each erine organised a winter school in The Crags too, welcom-
child has their personal account, everyone runs through the ing high school students every morning for additional
course at their own pace and picks up where they ended maths classes and an intensive typing course.
the week before. Progress is being made slowly but surely!
Hi there, my name is Robbin Huijers and I already was a Hello! My name is Kristel
volunteer at BIA from September '18 till February '19! I Vandenschrieck. I’m from
couldn't stay away for too long, so here I am again! As Rijmenam, Belgium. When
soon as I had the opportunity to come back, I took it. And Born in Africa was founded
how good it feels to be back! Back with the awesome BIA in 2003 my parents became
team, at the schools and with the lovely kids! It's fascinat- godparents so I have
ing to see how BIA is improving constantly, even in the known Born in Africa for a
short time I was gone, a long time already! This year
lot has changed. There I had the opportunity to
are computer classes in work as a volunteer togeth-
more schools now, black- er with my friend Nicole. It’s
boards have been put up an amazing feeling to know that everybody at Born in Afri-
and class rooms are ca works towards the same goal - to give the children bet-
nicely equipped with edu- ter chances and opportunities in life. Because I'm a mathe-
cational materials. I feel matics teacher by profession I love to help the children
extremely proud to be part here with their 'syferkunde' (algebra). The smile on their
of this amazing project! faces, makes it all worth while! Working for Born in Africa
doesn't really feel like working.
Our primary school learners are given words to learn, firstly What motivates you to work with our Born in Africa
taught how to spell them, the meaning thereof, then how to use children? My passion for children, to bring change in their
them in a sentence which needs to be grammatically correct and lives and to give them hope in dark circumstances
include the proper punctuation rules. All our Grade 2 to 7 That sounds wonderful! Where was that drive born? I
learners study the words during their group sessions in grew up in a community where alcohol abuse and domes-
preparation for the competition where we will bring all the tic violence were an everyday occurrence. Experiencing
children together who qualify for the next round where a fun this first hand in my own home inspired me to study psy-
event will see just how much they have progressed. Prizes for chology to understand myself and why these terrible
all as everyone always works hard and sharing the afternoon things happen
with all your Born in Africa friends is such a rewarding way to Everyday you still work with these issues which must
end off the day. We are super excited! be hard, so what is it that keeps you going?
My belief in the goodness of others and my faith in God is
what keeps me going, otherwise I would not make it
Have you noticed
positive improvements?
Absolutely, over the
years, I have seen many
children graduate and
children who I lend an ear
to have turned their lives
around. You can’t help
everyone but if you help
one child, you have made
such a difference!
Thank you for your donations: Kleijsen-Verhoeye; L. & N. Darcis-Catteeuw, Van Laeken-Roggeman, Inktco BVBA, M. Wijnant, Lions Club lokeren, Aktimmo VZW, Van
Roey-Wuyts, Rotary Club Brussel, F. Kennes, Van Oudenhove-Brisaert, Accent Construct NV, Van Den Goor-Geens, M. & C. Lefever-Vranckx, Van Leemputten-De
Baets, Bia-Meetjesland, M.Lampaert en G.Haeck, Moerman Torre Technieken BVBA, Corin BVBA, D. Dooms, H. Van Kerckvoorde-De Langhe, Arcelormittal Belgium, J.
De Smet, G. Haeck, A. De Latter, C. Van Den Bulcke, C. Verheyen, St Johns Waterloo, De Maagd P. BVBA, B. Verschaeve, M. & B. Lampaert-De Smedt, Mr. Pat Keary,
The Galway Golf Society
Our stars in Norway, UK & The Netherlands
Born in Africa Norway
Born in Africa Norway is engaging with godparents and arranging golf tournaments. We are also
trying to get sponsorships from local businesses.
The Norwegian market for small organisations is not great, as organisations like The Red Cross
and other well known players are dominating the market. We have been working in Norway for
about 10 years; the first seven years in a small place called Gjerdrum before moving to a town called Hønefoss three years
ago. Here we are now spending most of our time working to inform locals about Born in Africa and the work among children
and young students on their way to an education and a good future. The leader of the organisation in Norway is Toralf
Nordbotten. Toralf is also a board member in Born in Africa in Plettenberg Bay and is running Born in Africa Norway as a one
man operation. Contact me on toralfn@online.no to get in touch!
Service clubs, companies, schools, seniors clubs and others interested: If you would like to organize 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!