Kimete Basha
I have been involved in the world of children’s books for over 30 years as a teacher and librarian at the International School of Brussels, and as the former Executive Director of the Swiss-based, International Board on Books for Young People [IBBY], an internationally recognised leader in the fight to bring books and children together all over the world and, in particular, in developing nations. I am the mother of two daughters with whom I continue to share books because I hold the place of the story in children’s lives very close to my heart. I have lived in Australia; in Canada where I took degrees in Literature and Education, and am now happily at home in Belgium where Treasure Trove is my new “project”.
Friso Coppes
For a long time, although I have a distinguished background in the supermarket industry, I had had a sneaking desire to own a small attractive bookshop. This dream came true when together with Kimete Basha and Leila Rasheed I took up the challenge to re-launch Treasure Trove in December 2008. Along with all the passionate members of the Treasure Trove team, I am determined to develop Treasure Trove into an icon of children’s bookshops and I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge! I live in Tervuren with my wife and son. I speak Dutch, English, French and a bit of German.
Els Despat
My name is Els and I am studying Communication and Public relations in Brussels. I have lived in Belgium since I was very small and have benefitted from an English speaking environment and culture at home combined with a complete education in Belgian French-speaking schools, where I also learnt Dutch.As a trained youth leader and football referee I am used to working with children and young people, and really enjoy planning events and then making them work. I am an out-going sort of person, I love getting involved in new activities and can’t resist a challenge! In my spare time I try to fit in pottery workshops and I play badminton to keep fit.
Dino Di Giuseppe
I arrived in Belgium from Italy quite by chance some years ago and then, quite by chance again, I met Kimete who invited me to join the Treasure Trove team. Now, nearly a year later, I’ve discovered that I enjoy being surrounded by books and the people who read them just as I’ve derived great pleasure knowing that my IT support has helped to make things run smoothly both for the TT team and for those many people now using our growing range of programs and services.
Jane Still
Perhaps because I was born into a family of dedicated librarians, I decided from a very early age that I really didn’t enjoy having to give books back! Thus began my search for the perfect bookshop! In the time between, I studied French, travelled to dusty corners in far flung places, went into teaching where I had the opportunity (and privilege!) to explore the rapidly developing world of children’s literature. I have always tried to find the book to suit each child, whether a passionate or reluctant reader, and to give them the chance to discover all that a story has to offer. A move to Belgium, a busy family life with 5 children and a change of career to that of translator followed. Then I was given the chance to participate in children’s book selection panels for Belgian literary prizes, and to follow several courses in story-telling and literature for very young children. And now Treasure Trove has finally arrived - the perfect bookshop at last!