BIA hosted 3 very successful parent meetings in Green valley – Wittedrift, Crags and Kranshoek where we had a total of 200 parents attending. This year the vibes at the meetings were magical. Our first parent meetings of the year are meant for parents where rather serious issues are discussed and therefore no children are permitted to attend. Guest speakers – Francois and Gill Wolfaardt who spoke to the parents about the importance of setting parental boundaries, really touched the hearts of all present. As usual Isabelle and her team discussed this year’s program with the parents and volunteers were introduced. Isabelle also gave our parents a glimpse of our 2012 celebrations when Born in Africa will turn 10 years old. Fiona Wilson, social coordinator delivered a powerful message about the importance of the community in raising our children together, followed by Wesley Andrew, education coordinator. Wesley reported back on camps, swimming and future projects to be held. Belinda Coram, academic coordinator discussed the importance of career guidance – and the parents role to encourage realistic career choices with their children. Our mentors were all given the opportunity to offer feedback on the progress of their group sessions which gave our parents a better perspective of what we do during the sessions. Thanks to all who always work so hard at ensuring our meetings are successes!

A total of 50 Gr 3-6 learners from Crags Primary were treated to an amazing experience at Wild Waters theme park. The learners were rewarded for their excellent participation, hard work and determination during the Crags Homework Centre and Learn to Swim Program. They got the opportunity to fly down the super tube as many times as they want! The park is filled with swings trampolines and other fun activities which the youngsters used to the max! Yummy food was provided by Woolworths for the outing which filled those hungry tummies after a morning in the water. Thanks to Wesley and his team who put together a superb outing. We are so proud of our children who attended and well done to the swimmers who also received their certificates of excellence during the outing! Julle is uitstekend!

BIA hosted a very successful parent meeting in Green valley, Wittedrift where we had 30 parents attending. Although this is one of our smaller communities where we work, the vibe at the meeting was magical. Our first parent meetings of the year are meant for parents where rather serious issues are discussed and therefore no children are permitted to attend. Francois and Gill Wolfaardt who spoke to the parents about the importance of setting parental boundaries, really touched the hearts of all present. As usual Isabelle and her team discussed this year’s program with the parents and volunteers were introduced. Sarija Bewee, the Wittedrift mentor offered a few words about her effective group sessions with the children. Fiona Wilson, social coordinator delivered a powerful message about the importance of the community in raising our children together, followed by Wesley Andrew, education coordinator. Wesley reported back on camps, swimming and future projects to be held. Belinda Coram, Academic Coordinator discussed the importance of career guidance – and the parents role to encourage realistic career choices with their children. Watch this space for our next meeting feedback and visuals: Crags.

A total number of 35 Gr 2-5 children took part in this year’s “Learn to Swim” program. Each learner received 12 swimming lessons under the tuition of BIA Education Coordinator-Wesley Andrew. It was inspriring to see the progression of the group. What was also amazing was to see how their confidance grew during the lessons. To celebrate their achievement BIA will be treating them to a well deserved outing to Wild Waters where they will also receive their certificates! Thank you to all involved in making the swimming program such a success.

A Total of 60 girls from Crags, Kranshoek, Wittedrift and Harkerville took part in an amazing camp held at the Southern Comfort Ranch in Harkerville. The groups were entertained by the BIA staff and volunteers from Friday 2 March right through till Sunday 4 March. A busy program which incorporated the Olympic Games as a theme proved to be a winner. The groups took part in various races which included swimming, cone races, discus and during the evening various activities such as bingo were played. They also got to learn more about the history of the Olympic Games as well as the mythology of the Greek gods. BIA would like to thank the group for being such stars and a huge thank you to the staff for organizing the camp.

A total of 30 Gr 7 & 8 Born in Africa boys from Crags, Kranshoek, Harkerville and Wittedrift had a fantastic time at the Southern Comfort ranch on the weekend of 24-26 February 2012. Once again the theme was the Olympic Games and what more appropriate than to pay tribute to the Greek history and mythology. This they did with a fun filled program amped to deliver extreme sport activities which the group all took part in. Well done boys and well done to the BIA team who prepared the camp with such love and enthusiasm.

On friday 24 February 2012 Rotary Plett visited our organisation and this is what president Theo had to say in his report afterwards: PLETTENBERG BAY ROTARY CLUB DISTRICT 9350 P O BOX 1356 PLETTENBERG BAY 6600 CLUB BULLETIN 24 FEBRUARY 2012 “BORN IN AFRICA” It was indeed a real pleasure that in lieu of our regular meeting this week we had the pleasure of visiting the “Born in Africa” offices and together with Remi de Backer we were treated to an outstanding morning by Isabelle Brink and her dedicated and enthusiastic workers and volunteers. After the introduction Isabelle, who is also the founder and general coordinator, we were given an insight of the organisation, which is a South African Non Profit group whose aim is stimulating the educational development of youngsters from under privileged backgrounds living in previously disadvantage communities in the Bitou district in the Western Cape. By creating better opportunities for these youngsters to participate in the labour market, their aim is to improve the current situation of social and economic distress. In order to achieve this goal they have developed a threefold strategy: An individual support programme and educational projects working with parents and their community. Briefly a few of their programmes are focussing in the Bitou area with teaching assistants at Wittedrift, Kranshoek and the Crags, where they also have a homework centre. In addition they have swimming classes at four local schools as well as Art and Craft classes. After completing their Grade12 they are given the opportunity of studying further at either colleges or universities. After our visit to the offices, we proceeded to the Grade R class of the Crags Primary School where we were most pleasantly surprised to be entertained by the children, with their singing and other antics. The only way they are able to achieve their goals are appeals of donations and public support. It was also mentioned by President Theo of the progress the club is making with our Matching Grant for an additional bus for the organisation. Overall the entire morning was most worth while as well as beneficial to those who attended.

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.