Ugandan orphans sing songs of hope

KATINA CURTIS

A CHOIR of children from Uganda will perform a Concert of Hope next Tuesday while a group of Kiama women work to give more African children something to be hopeful about.

The Watoto Children's Choir is made up of orphans who have been given a home under the Watoto program.

Bran Eastment, who is from a group of Kiama women fundraising for the charity, said she had been to the choir's concerts before and that they "put on an absolute spectacular".

Watoto is a charity that organises the building of houses, which become a home for eight orphans and a "mother". These are built in communities with schools, churches, medical centres and other facilities, with the aim to give the children a new start in life.

As well as singing, Mrs Eastment said, some of the children told their story about becoming orphaned and what Watoto had done for them.

"But it's not a sad night. I've been to one and it's an amazing night," she said. "Basically they're out here to tell people that this is a great thing that's happening."

She said people would be able to donate directly to Watoto or buy African crafts on the night.

The Kiama group is organising a gala concert on October 20 to help raise the $38,000 needed to build a home in Uganda.

The event will be held at Kiama Leisure Centre and tickets are on sale now for $50 each.

Mrs Eastment said all the proceeds from tickets sales would go straight towards the fundraising.

"We've worked pretty hard at covering our costs without having to draw from people's tickets," she said.

They have arranged for local entertainers, including the Kiama High School vocal group and Wollongong band Tatem and Co, to perform and will hold an auction of donated prizes.

The group is looking for people to help with the transport and set up of tables and chairs on the night.

To volunteer or buy tickets, contact Sandra Kay on 4237 6801, Judith Hunt on 4237 8776 or Bron Eastment on 4237 6345.

The Watoto Children's Choir is performing at Figtree Anglican Church on Gibsons Road at 7pm on Tuesday September 18.