The African Children’s Choir, which raises funds for vulnerable youth in some of Africa’s most troubled regions, will perform in concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at the First Congregational Church, 508 Union St., Manchester. The international touring group, which formed in 1984, “shows the world that its members, like the millions of abandoned and traumatized children in Africa, have beauty, dignity and unlimited potential,” show organizers said.
Funds garnered through the choir’s performances support the ongoing care and education of the young singers as well as thousands of other children. To date the work of the choir has extended from its beginnings in Uganda to Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Southern Sudan and, most recently, Nkomazi, in the northern border region of South Africa.
“It targets children whose lives can be changed by the chance to receive the care and quality education that brings freedom from poverty and hopelessness,” show officials said.
In addition to Sunday’s concert, the choir will perform in a 20-minute segment during the 10 a.m. worship service at the church. Both appearances are offered free of charge, however donations will be accepted. The African Children’s Choir includes 23 children principally from Uganda and Kenya. Many of the children have been orphaned due to strife in those war-torn countries.
“The choir tours throughout the world to raise funds for their schooling with the hopes that the children will continue their education and then return to their countries to help rebuild,” show officials said.
“The motto of the parent organization, ‘Music for Life’, says it quite clearly: ‘Helping Africa’s most vulnerable children today, so they can help Africa tomorrow’.”
An individual chorister tours for only one year. The groups are accompanied on their tour bus by chaperones, a tour leader and a driver.
First Congregational Church first presented the choir to the greater Manchester area in the spring of 2007. The concert features African dancing, singing and costumes and includes a short video about the life-changing work done by “Music for Life.”
Among the international group’s high-profile performances in recent years was a collaboration with Josh Groban on the “American Idol: Idol Gives Back” television special in 2007.
For more information, log onto www.fccmanchesternh.org or call 625-5093.
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