Uganda’s Watoto Children’s Choir is a marvel, even more so when one considers the youngsters have been through great tragedy yet they sing with infectious joy and enthusiasm.
The popular choir, which includes children who have lost either one or both of their parents, is returning to Okotoks with a performance at the United Church for a Concert of Hope on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.
One member of the choir, 11-year-old Neema Jolly, extolled the virtues of being able to get up on stage and perform in front of enthusiastic audiences.
“It’s so much fun,” she said. “You sing and dance. If you have bad thoughts you get to forget them for a while. I enjoy it.”
Watoto means children in Swahili and the Watoto Child Care Ministries is an organization formed in 1994 as a way to supply compassionate relief in the wake of the AIDs crisis that has so severely impacted the African nation of Uganda. Watoto villages have been created in different locations in the country to provide children who have been orphaned or abandoned a chance to grow up and earn an education in a loving, family like atmosphere.
Choir team leader Stephen Banyikiza has been touring with African children since 2006. He said the group of children he has in Canada right now began their training back home in July. He explained the choir is vital in building awareness of the work of its parent organization.
“It’s very important considering who we are as Watoto, a holistic child care program,” Banyikiza said. “We exist to rescue these children who have been left orphaned. We want to raise them up as leaders so they can help to rebuild the nation of Uganda. I know I am playing a big part in that. Giving of my time to the choir is something I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
Justine Stewart, public relations officer for the Watoto Children’s Choir, said several choirs are touring around the world raising awareness of the charity and its work in Africa.
“There are multiple choirs touring at any given time,” she said. “Some kids are in Australia right now and others are in the United States. We have had choirs travelling globally for many years through places like Japan and South Africa. They’ve gone over to the UK as well.”
She explained the choir has also been able to perform in some exclusive locations and for some top-notch celebrities.
“They got to sing at the White House in front of former president George W. Bush,” she said. “They also got to perform in front of Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.”
The group coming to Okotoks arrived in Canada in January and is touring the country for six months. They kicked off their string of shows in Vancouver and will finish up in the Maritimes.
Stewart said the audience can expect a lively performance from the Watoto Children’s Choir and it will be an emotional experience as well.
“You need to bring your comfortable shoes for dancing and bring some tissues because it will make you cry as well,” she said. “You’ll hear the children’s stories throughout the show and they’ll talk very personally and openly about their experiences.”
Admission to the 7 p.m. show at the Okotoks United Church on Feb. 17 is free and open to the public. Choir merchandise, hand made purses, scarves and other items will be available for purchase. A love offering will also be taken and there will be information on child sponsorship opportunities. For more information on the cause visit www.watoto.com
