By YASEMIN TALAT
FROM one side of the world to another, the children of Uganda have come to perform right here in Point Cook.
Watoto Children’s Choir number 61 is currently on a seven-month tour, performing across Australia and Asia.
The Watoto Organisation established a choir group for orphaned children from Uganda who travel the world singing, dancing and spreading the message of hope.
Choir leader Mark Aikiriza said every year a new group of children travel as part of the choir.
“We hope all the children will get the experience,” Mr Aikiriza said.
Mr Aikiriza said it was an important experience for the children not only to spread hope but also gain hope.
“They go as ambassadors for the children from Uganda and Africa who don’t have hope, who have been orphaned by the war, to make everyone aware of the plight of the African child,” Mr Aikiriza said.
Mr Aikiriza said when visiting countries like Australia the children are exposed to a different culture and it gives them the chance to believe in a brighter future for themselves.
“They believe if it can happen here it can happen at home so they leave with motivation, desire and hope that they can as well make it,” he said.
Since the group’s establishment in 1994 over 1100 children have experienced travelling to different countries.
Mr Aikiriza said all the children were sponsored from people from around the world.
“With different people coming on-board we are able to look after almost 3000 children,” he said.
“Our reason of Watoto is to rescue, raise and rebuild: rescue the vulnerable and give them hope, and look after them and make sure they have everything a normal child has and raise them up to be leaders and in that way rebuild Uganda and Africa.”
The Concert of Hope will be held at Point Cook Secondary School on 30 July at 7pm and is free for the community.
“It’s a fusion of African and Western music and exuberant and beautiful African costumes,” Mr Aikiriza said.
“You have to come with your dancing shoes on.”
For more information on the organisation or for tour schedule visit www.watoto.com
