Thanks to Matt Spurrier builders we have been able to complete our double garage situated at the BIA headquarters. The purpose of the garage is to safe guard our two BIA busses which are very important in transporting the children to the brilliant activities they take part in. In other words without these two trusty steeds much of our work will not be realized. Having a warm place to sleep is what they deserve! Speaking of busses, we are currently in the process negotiating with Rotary Plett and various international Rotary clubs for a second new bus. Dr Reinard Schydlo who is a BIA board member has taken it upon himself to lead this project. We are most grateful to him. An appropriate opening ceremony was held to declare the double garage officially open! The South African Born in Africa board members attending this momentous occasion with yet another goal achieved. Well done.

A total of 44 Gr 4-6 Born in Africa boys from Crags, Kranshoek, Kransbos and Wittedrift all had a ball at the Olympic Games camp held at the Southern Comfort ranch on the weekend of 10-12 February 2012. The theme was carried through the weekend’s activities which ranged from swimming races, wrestling, spoon races, bingo and much more. Well done boys and well done to the BIA team who prepared the camp with such love and enthusiasm.

A total number of 20 Gr 1-3 BIA children from Crags, Kranshoek and Wittedrift took part in a mega competitive camp, inspired by Greek mythology. The program was filled with various sports hailing from the immortalized ancient Greek games such as 3 legged races, discus, swimming races, balloon races and shot-put. Besides this they also learned all about the origin and history of the games. Our team was fully motivated even equipped with toga and laurel wreath. The groups also went on a Treasure hunt inspired by the Greek alphabet. They thoroughly enjoyed the yummy food & great weather all under the African sunshine. Well done to Wesley and his BIA team for making the children’s weekend an unforgettable one.

Every year Born in Africa ensure that all the children in the program are equipped with a full uniform, stationary, backpack and shoes to tackle the new educational year. This year we managed to hand out a total of 450 uniforms in just 4 days. This was done by our BIA staff and wonderful volunteers. We are so experienced with this program and have fine tuned our program to a tee! We load our BIA bus to the brim with supplies, set up shop in a designated classroom at the school where we are handing out the uniforms and then the show begins. Children come in, their size checked and noted and they try on their brand new kit before a snap-shot is captured for their godparents. To those of our readers who have participated in this program all know the saying: “easier said than done!” Well done to all involved.

Born in Africa newsletter December 2011

As you can see a ball was had by the BIA team at our year end function. True to SA style, a braai was held for the staff, boardmembers and volunteers. Words of gratitude to all were shared and with George De Smul and his wife Arlette present this year, made the event extra special. Thank you to all for yet another incredible year, enjoy a well deserved break with your families and loved ones untill we meet again next year.

A very important group of folks recently met at Nothando Backpackers to discuss the role of BIA in the Bitou area and how we can move forward together to make our area a better place for our children. Present at the meeting were Bitou major- Memory Booysen, Counsellor Charles Dreyer, BIA South Africa chairman Remi De Backer, Belgium chairman George De Smul and special guests-Parents of Olympic gold medallist Tea Hellebaut- Tine and Joris Hellebaut. It is very important to brand Born in Africa locally to ensure its future success and this meeting marked the beginning of just such an era. Well done to all present and thank you for securing the future of BIA.

This year the COP (Congress of parties) Climate Change conference took place in Durban, South Africa. The event took place at the ICC Centre in Durban from 30 November till 7 December 2011. a Total of 14 students from the Western cape were chosen to attend this event where the Kyoto Protocol which is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change came to an end. The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The major distinction between the Protocol and the Convention is that while the Convention encouraged industrialised countries to stabilize GHG emissions, the Protocol commits them to do so. Two BIA students- Mandy Mngomezulu and Leshwin Barnardo were chosen to represent the Bitou municipality at this internationally acclaimed event. They hosted a power point presentation on climate change in the Bitou area and what we are doing to combat the effects. We at BIA are incredibly proud of Mandy and Leshwin who held our name high in Durban and came home with many stories to tell.

Born in Africa would like to welcome Wesley Andrew to our team of staff. He has taken the position of Education Coordinator and is responsible for an variety of programs which includes camps, holiday outings, teacher assistants, homework centres, swimming, volunteers and others. Good luck Wesley, make us proud!

Every year BIA conduct pre and post tests in Wittedrift Primary, Crags Primary and Kranshoek Primary where we employ our teacher assistants who assist the class teachers with literacy and numeracy. We have just completed our post testing and have the pleasure to announce that the results are all extremely positive which once again proves that BIA is playing an important roll in the education of the Bitou child. A total number of 552 learners from Kranshoek (Grade 1 – Grade 6) and 60 (Grade 1) learners from The Crags and 35 Wittedrift (Grade 1) learners were tested. Well done to all involved in the testing and bravo to our teacher assistants Judy Mintoor, Juf De Waal and Juf Magdalena Jacobs for their continuous efforts to further the education of our children.