Kids sing for a chance at life
Image: The African Children’s Choir
The Grammy-nominated African Children’s Choir is gearing up for its first major tour of Australia in its 29-year history.
The choir – comprised of children aged eight to 12 – performed for the Queen at her Diamond Jubilee Celebrations last year and has sung with the likes of Mariah Carey and Sir Paul McCartney.
The choir is aiming to raise funds through the tour for the development and education of impoverished child orphans in Africa.
“The reason they do it is to raise awareness about their project back in Uganda and raise money,” said Stuart Davis, director of local choir, Timbre Flaws. “They are not really doing it for fame and fortune.”
The child performers come from impoverished backgrounds and many have gone on to obtain tertiary qualifications.
“My life was changed through the program … their school is catered for up to university, making them doctors, lawyers, whatever they want to be,” said tour leader Abraham Kiyingi.
“The thing that we are very proud of in our charity is that 100 per cent of the funds raised goes to the project,” said founder of Kwaya Inc, Marsha Gusti.
Kwaya is a charity that has helped 150 Australian choir singers travel to Uganda for community service and cultural exchanges.
This year, the children will be the visitors, with local choirs and schools playing host.
“I thought it was going be a great experience for my choir to spend time with these kids,” said Mr Davis, who is also playing host to some choir members. “I am going to have two kids with me and my family. For me that is going to be a great experience.”
The children have also visited popular Australian tourist deatinations, tried kangaroo meat and watched football for the first time.
“It’s not only singing but an educational tour [for the kids],” said Mr Kiyingi.
The African Children’s Choir will perform in Sydney at 7pm this Saturday, August 10 at the Salvation Army Congress Hall.
By Namcheja Maghembe and Adra Anthoney
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