Howick Shasha Mashalane, a marathon runner, is helping the youth by raising funds for their education. He plans to do this by running 8 races totalling over 500km!
Howick Shasha Mashalane, 38, is the deputy director in asset management for the provincial department of public works, roads and infrastructure in Limpopo. As a seasoned runner, Howick is no stranger to running long distances, but this year will be his 1st time completing the Washie Ultramarathon, which alone covers 160km across 2 days in July.
“It will be my first…and I want to use this opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives” says Howick.
This year, in addition to the challenge of running, Howick has also decided to raise money for the Cape Town-based youth organisation Salesian Life Choices.
“It goes without saying that there is a huge need for support so that youth can achieve their goals. I was once in their shoes and I know very well the impact of being helped by a stranger, I want to see our youth achieving their dreams.” Howick was referred to Salesian Life Choices through a close friend who also supports the organisation.
“I got in contact and after hearing about the different services they offer I knew that this was the right organisation to get involved with. To achieve my goal, I am reaching out to my networks and to anyone who wants to support this cause by making a small donation of R100 for every km I run.”
Howick decided to support the expansion of the coding course after learning about the successful pilot. Salesian Life Choices is expanding this project to reach 120 youth in 2018, equipping them with 21st Century skills in coding. The 12-month course, comprising of 6 months intensive training and 6 months paid internship with industry leaders, aims to give youth the opportunity of a lifelong career in this sought after skill. Ninety percent of the academy students have entered the job market.
Salesian Life Choices has worked in the youth sector since 2005 impacting more than 200 000 people through their services. The organisation provides services in five key areas: Family Stability, Health, Education, Leadership and Employment.
“We believe that inequality is a matter of the heart and that if each individual did something, inequality could be eradicated. Howick is living proof that a good heart can reach many lives” says Sofia Neves, SLC Managing Director.
“I hope that we generate as much as we can to be able to cover all their needs. 508km might be a drop in the ocean but I hope this is the beginning of the great journey ahead of us” Says Howick.
Over the next 6 months, Howick will run the following races:
- 10th June – Comrades – 90km
- 27th – 28th July – Washie 100 Miller – 160km
- 23rd September – Cape Town Marathon – 42km
- 27th October – Run for cancer ultra marathon – 48km
- 3rd November – kaapsehoop marathon – 42km
- 4th November – Soweto Marathon – 42km
- 10th November – Winelands Marathon – 42km
- 24th November – Sani stagger – 42km
You can support his efforts here.
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