Thanks to Plascon’s generous sponsorship of paints and products, this Jo’burg orphanage is now bigger and brighter – uplifting not only its façade, but also the hearts and minds of the youngsters who call it home.
Home sweet home
Founded 12 years ago by advocate and community developer Anna Mojapelo and her social worker sister Phina Mojapelo, the New Jerusalem Children’s Home in Johannesburg is home to 80 children, from newborns to teenagers – many of whom have HIV/Aids. This haven not only offers a secure, stable environment for orphans and vulnerable kids, it also ensures their well-being and education.
Now, thanks to a generous donation of paint and products from Plascon – and other organisations* – this safe home has not only been given a colourful facelift, it’s also been extended with the addition of an Eco House, which will accommodate up to 30 children. Most of the materials used in the design and construction were recycled – including 28 shipping containers – resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and extremely comfortable ecofriendly house. ‘The children are inspired by the bright orange and purple accent colours and calmed by the natural, earthy shades in the house,’ says New Jerusalem’s Adrienne Feldner, adding that their reaction to the colours is a good reflection of the incredible transformation that has occurred in these children since moving into the house. ‘Almost immediately, their selfesteem increased, they became calm, co-operative and interactive and seem to now exude an optimism they never seemed to have before.’
Plascon’s Corporate Social Investment arm is always on the lookout for an opportunity to spread some colour into the lives of disadvantaged children, so this project, supporting both children and the environment, was an easy choice, explains Plascon’s CSI manager Patrick Seager. ‘We are very proud to have been able to contribute towards it.’
You can help!
You can volunteer your services, make a donation or sponsor the New Jerusalem Children’s Home; for details, call Anna Mojapelo on 010 224 0460 or 082 7327 832, or view the home’s wishlist at newjerusalemchildrenshome.org.za
