The Children of Fire youngsters celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday with cake, cards and song.
Children of Fire in Auckland Park, that helps young burn survivors, celebrated the Queen’s birthday on 21 April because South Africa is part of the countries that make up the Commonwealth and they wanted to celebrate the Queen for having such a long life. Additionally, the skills of many surgeons, who come from Commonwealth countries, have benefited the lives of the children who need complex surgery.
Intern at Children of Fire, Happy Matlatse (18) said, “The Queen turning 90 got us all to think about the Commonwealth. I’m from Katlehong and today for the first time I realised what a great family of nations South Africa belongs to.”
The celebrations consisted of singing Happy Birthday, baking and eating a chocolate cake and making birthday cards. A large birthday card will be sent to the British High Commissioner in Pretoria to send on to her Majesty. Crowns, Tudor roses and the flag of the United Kingdom decorated the card. Burn Survivor, Quando Ncube (14) said, “I’m proud to have made a card for the Queen. I hope that she enjoys it.”
A birthday party is nothing without the right attire, so the children wore red, white and blue T-shirts and some carried hand-painted British flags. Intern, Mandla Mathebula (20) added, “We love a party for a purpose. Celebrating wisdom and longevity are African concepts. Children of Fire always has an international perspective. One day we’re praying for the Ecuador earthquake victims, the next we’re singing Happy Birthday to Queen Elizabeth.”
Details: Children of Fire, firechildren@icon.co.za, 011 726 6529
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