26/school news African magic! by Sietse G<strong>of</strong>fard (Grade 12) For two full and unforgettable days last month, ASP came alive with <strong>the</strong> vibrant sounds <strong>of</strong> singing children and beating drums! We proudly hosted <strong>the</strong> African Children’s Choir, a world-renowned group <strong>of</strong> 24 talented young children from countries including Kenya and Uganda. They treated us to a variety <strong>of</strong> singing and dancing workshops during <strong>the</strong>ir exciting visit, which culminated in a spectacular final concert. Featuring traditional African dances, lively chants, and gospel songs, <strong>the</strong>ir performance blew away <strong>the</strong> massive audience <strong>of</strong> students, parents, and teachers alike. A huge thanks to Aaron Hubbard, Chris Chater, Gillian Lynch, <strong>the</strong> PFA, FOTA, <strong>the</strong> housing parents, <strong>the</strong> organizing students, and everyone else who helped make this event such a shining success! The African Children’s Choir was founded 25 years ago by Ray Barnett, a humanitarian worker who spent much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 70s and 80s working in war torn Uganda. On one trip, Ray and his companions gave a small boy a ride from is decimated home to <strong>the</strong> safety <strong>of</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r village. During <strong>the</strong> journey, <strong>the</strong> child did what he knew how to do best – he sang. In <strong>the</strong> midst <strong>of</strong> despair, <strong>the</strong> boy’s song revealed a glimmer <strong>of</strong> hope, a reminder <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> beauty and dignity <strong>of</strong> this boy and his people. Ray knew that if only a group <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se children could go to <strong>the</strong> West, people would be deeply moved and certainly want to help. In April 1984, Ray and team <strong>of</strong> volunteers went to Uganda to select 31 vulnerable children who would become <strong>the</strong> first African Children’s choir and with funds raised from <strong>the</strong>ir first tour, a children’s home was established in Kampala. Today <strong>the</strong> wider charity, Music For Life, operates homes, projects and schools for vulnerable children in Sudan, Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and Ghana helping thousands <strong>of</strong> children forge a future where <strong>the</strong>y had none. For more information about <strong>the</strong> African Children’s Choir and <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> Music For Life: www.africanchildrenschoir.com The Aspect - November 2010
school news/27 The Aspect - November 2010