Born in Africa celebrates 20 years of service

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Last week, Plett-based non-profit organisation Born in Africa commemorated its 20th birthday, hosting many of its European "godparents" for a week of celebrations.

"The week-long festivities from The Crags to Harkerville shared 20 years of memories and successes with the children in our communities," said Janet Harding, chairperson of Born in Africa Plettenberg Bay.

What started with three children in 2000 has become thousands who have been helped by the programme.

So far, 150 students have graduated from tertiary institutions while there are presently 400 students in the programme and 941 "godparents" who fund the needs of the students.

Last week alone, a British man who had visited Plettenberg Bay four years ago with his wife, made a pledge of R440 000 in his wife's honour to be used for additional facilities.

In addition the Friends of Meetjesland presented a cheque for R360 000 towards a new classroom that will house Born in Africa projects, such as art classes.

Twenty-three years ago, a young Belgian woman called Isabelle de Smul arrived in Plettenberg Bay as a volunteer. "At the Crags Primary School she discovered that Grade 1 children faced enormous struggles to comprehend and concentrate, not having had the grounding of a year in Grade R," said Harding. "The teacher, Evangeline Koeberg, was desperate for help and Isabelle stepped in with extramural assistance.

"And so the concept of Born in Africa was formed."

In 2002, Isabelle married South African Brian Brink and cemented her commitment to Plettenberg Bay and the children who needed more than just assistance. Isabelle's father Georges de Smul, known as "Uncle Georges", spoke proudly of his 20-year association with the project his daughter had started.

"Friends, 14 and 15 January were some of the biggest days in the history of Born in Africa," he said.

"We published a book about 20 years of BIA and the life's work of Isabelle. Two hundred people attended the book launch, including some important people at the top in Belgium and Europe. Isabelle was named 'Knight in the Order of the Crown' that day, which is a huge honour."

Former and present recipients of Born in Africa's support paid tribute to the project throughout the week. At a prize-giving for the prestigious poetry competition at the Wittedrift High and Primary schools, a heartfelt tribute to Born in Africa came from a Grade 12 student who has been part of the programme since Grade 1.

"Her home life has been anything but stable, having lost her mother at age six and her father being unable to support or encourage her. She paid tribute to the mentors of Born in Africa for always bringing her stability and encouragement. There was hardly a dry eye in the room as all listened intently to her story of hope and pride," said Harding.

One of the teachers at Formosa Primary School in New Horizon is a former BIA student who spoke about her experience in the programme and thanked both Isabelle and her mentor Belinda for the many hours invested in her as a student.

Friday saw the climax of the week's celebrations with a march through the streets of Plettenberg Bay with about 400 current students, alumni, volunteers, mentors, godparents, supporters, board members and many others to take a "family" photograph at Signal Hill.

"We wish our visitors a joyous time in South Africa and thank them for their ongoing support. We hope they have made great memories and trust they take a small piece of Plettenberg Bay in their hearts," said Harding.

The Born in Africa children celebrate the organisation's 20th birthday last week.