Bogdan Van Doninck passed away last April. His commitment to Viva Salud was unwavering and remains ever present. Bogdan was deeply involved in the strategic decisions discussed by our board of directors and general assembly. He was also a highly dedicated volunteer on whom we could always rely. We will miss him greatly.
Bogdan, a man of his word and action
We asked Gill Boeckmans, member of our administrative body and close friend of Bogdan's, to describe Bogdan's commitment.
Bogdan has been involved in international solidarity organisations for over 20 years, particularly in Africa.
In the 1960s, he founded the Third World Movement in Brasschaat, where he grew up. Then, in the 1970s, he co-founded the Anti-Imperialist Line (LAI), which later became the solidarity movement Intal.
Katelijne and Bogdan volunteered for 11.11.11 for many years. Bogdan worked with Viva Salud, where he was a member of the board of directors for several years. Bogdan was also a member of the PTB.
When the struggle for Zimbabwe's independence began, Bogdan founded the Zimbabwe Committee, a solidarity group that welcomed freedom fighters passing through Belgium and supported them in their contacts with social movements and the political world. Several of these resistance fighters were guests of Katelijne and Bogdan. Lasting bonds were forged. In 1977, the committee became the «Belgium-Zimbabwe Association», with statutes and a publication in the Belgian Official Gazette.
Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980. Bogdan travelled there to launch various projects for the association. He wrote his doctoral thesis on the cooperative movement in Zimbabwe. These were not just any cooperatives: the many freedom fighters, who had left their homes and regions for years to go and fight, returned home and had to start a new life. That is why the former resistance fighters created the Organisation of Collective Cooperatives of Zimbabwe (OCCZIM), where they learned to cultivate the land, do business, set up their own cooperative enterprises—in short, to work together to build a new life. Bogdan's thesis focused on these people and this organisation.
In the 1990s, Bogdan visited the country again. In the meantime, many freedom fighters had taken on positions of responsibility, some had even become ministers. So we would sometimes go and see them together. Each time, it was a very warm reunion.
This is the long journey we have travelled together, from Zimbabwe until recently at Viva Salud, where Bogdan was an active member of the general assembly and, until recently, of the administrative body.
We have learnt a great deal from Bogdan's knowledge and enthusiasm. We are grateful to you and will cherish your memory forever.
We salute you, as one salutes loyal allies in Africa:
Hamba Kahle, comrade Bogdan, have a safe journey.
Gill and Paul
The entire Viva Salud team would like to thank you and wish you all the best, Bogdan.
Fanny, Director of Viva Salud
