Above and right: The Watoto Children’s Choir performed at the Berwick Church of Christ last Friday. Choir members were all smiles during their musical performance.
By Callan Date
IT WAS a night full of colour, smiles and songs at the Berwick Church of Christ last Friday when the Watoto Children’s Choir produced an unforgettable musical performance.
More than 800 people watched on as the children wowed the crowd with their delightful voices, enthusiastic songs and lively dances.
The energetic concert raised $28,000 which will build a house for eight orphaned children in Uganda.
Church officials had hoped to raise $19,000 required to build the house and will use the extra money to install vital infrastructure around the village where the house will be located.
Event coordinator Charmaine Vis said the response and generosity from the public had overwhelmed all involved with the concert.
“Something like this really appeals to the broader community and everyone who was at the concert seemed to really enjoy themselves,” Ms Vis said.
The Watoto Children’s Choir has been touring internationally since 1994 and is made up of eighteen boys and girls who have either lost one or both of their parents.
Ms Vis said about 10 members of the Berwick Church of Christ planned to form a working group and travel to Uganda and help build the house.
“We have hosted the choir for the last three years and this time they are staying longer and performing several different concerts.”
The Watoto Foundation helps more than 1200 young Ugandan orphans by providing physical, emotional, educational and spiritual care.
Local residents have one more chance to see the choir in action when they perform four more concerts at Westfield Fountain Gate on 5 August at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm and on 6 August at 10am.
