Instead of celebrating with a lavish party, Dr Collen Mashawana spent his birthday giving back to children at New Jerusalem Children’s Home in Midrand. Image: Supplied.
Education
1Min
South Africa
Dr Collen Mashawana turns birthday celebration into a day of hope for children
Instead of marking his birthday with a traditional celebration, Collen Mashawana Foundation founder Dr Collen Mashawana spent the day giving back to vulnerable children at New Jerusalem Children’s Home in Midrand, where he pledged scholarships, employment support and musical equipment.
Dr Collen Mashawana has marked his birthday by turning the occasion into an opportunity to give back to children at New Jerusalem Children’s Home in Midrand.
The visit formed part of the annual tradition of the Collen Mashawana Foundation (CMF), which celebrates its founder’s birthday through community service and acts of giving.
Established in 2000, New Jerusalem Children’s Home provides a safe and nurturing environment for about 120 vulnerable children. The centre has teachers, nurses and caregivers and offers education from Grade R to Grade 10.
During his visit on Wednesday, Mashawana toured the residential and learning facilities, interacted with teachers and caregivers and gained insight into the daily experiences of the children.
The children celebrated the occasion through singing, dancing and musical performances before sharing lunch with Mashawana and the CMF team. The foundation also donated food to the centre.
The visit resulted in several commitments aimed at supporting the children's future.
After watching young musicians perform using traditional instruments, Mashawana pledged to donate a modern drum set to help develop their musical abilities.
He also announced that three children from the centre will receive support through the CMF Scholarship Bursary Programme, which will fund their university studies.
In addition, a young person from the centre who had completed their studies but remained unemployed was offered employment, extending the foundation's intervention beyond education to creating economic opportunities.
“This is more than a centre; it is a home filled with care, structure and opportunity. Celebrating my birthday here reminds us that giving should not only address the needs of today, but create opportunities for tomorrow,” said Mashawana.
Mashawana also committed to returning to New Jerusalem and continuing to support the centre where the foundation can make a meaningful difference.
For CMF, the birthday visit reflects Mashawana's long-standing approach of using his birthday as an opportunity to give back, restore hope and create opportunities for others.
