Ugandan choir brings message of hope, love

FOR almost two decades, the children of the Watoto Children's Choir have travelled the world spreading their message of hope.

Alimo Prossy (front left) and Namusoke Regina (front right) perform with the Watoto Children's Choir at the Central Church Ipswich. Picture: David Nielsen

FOR almost two decades, the children of the Watoto Children's Choir have travelled the world spreading their message of hope.

It is a message that was recently delivered to the Ipswich community through a unique blend of native African music, stories and ethnic dance.

Through their colourful and lively Concert of Hope performances, the youthful singers aim to move the hearts of Australians as they share their tales of joy and the life-changing love of God.

The choir showcased their energetic fusion of contemporary gospel and traditional African rhythm at Ipswich Central Church last Wednesday.

The theme for this choir's six- month tour is "Beautiful Africa: A New Generation".

All children who participate are aged between seven to 13, are from Uganda and have each suffered the tragic experience of losing one or both parents to AIDS, poverty or war.

They act as ambassadors to raise awareness of the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children of Uganda - a country that has experienced years of destruction and despair.

Watoto, which means child in Swahili, is a holistic care solution that provides physical, emotional, medical, spiritual and academic needs for children in Africa.

It was started by missionaries Gary and Marilyn Skinner in 1994, the same year the choir was formed.

For those who missed the spirited concert, the choir will perform in Ipswich again with shows at Whitehill Church of Christ in Raceview and at the Motorama City Holden Family Fun Day in Springfield.

The concert at Whitehill will be held on Wednesday, May 29 at 6.30pm while the Springfield event will take place on Sunday, June 2, from 9am to 1pm at Robelle Domain.