The Watoto Children Choir inspired YHKCC students
The sound of the African drums vibrated beautifully and the Watoto Children’s Choir sang and danced enthusiastically in the school hall of YHKCC in their brilliant Ugandan costumes with radiant smiles on their faces. Throughout Watoto’s “Concert of Hope”, YHKCC students experienced the energy, sense of joy and hope that these lovely Ugandan orphans have found.
Watoto means “Children” in Swahili. Established in 1994, the Watoto Children’s Choir has toured internationally, rendering a message of hope to many parts of the world through their soulful blend of African rhythm, contemporary gospel and ethnic dance. On Wednesday 22nd February, the Choir came to YHKCC and brought a special performance for students during the school assembly in the afternoon. The Choir, comprised of about 25 children between ages of eight and thirteen, have seen a lot of hardship in their young lives – the loss of parents, the lack of basic necessities, the ravages of AIDS in their country.
The concert was packed with a lot of energy, uplifting music, vibrant dance routines, life-transforming stories and original African music which thrilled and dazzled our students and teachers. Some students were excited to be invited on the stage to share the culture, music and dance with the members of the Choir. They clapped and danced along with the Choir. A Form five student shared her feeling after watching the performance, said, “They are wonderful. I think the African music is so joyous. Probably everybody leaving here just feels the joy in their heart, and is full of love. It was also a powerful reminder for me to find hope even in the situation of hardship and difficulty.” Some YHKCC students even helped out in the fair trade counter of Watoto by selling items such as accessories and handicrafts made by women in Africa, CDs, watches and T-shirts.
A Casual Dress Day was also held on the same day to provide an opportunity for all students to help support the children in Uganda. Each participant of the event is asked to donate a minimum of HK$10. Some senior form students also handmade the crepe paper flowers to support the Watoto. The entire school community demonstrated their enthusiasm and expressed love.
Mr. Dion Chen, Acting Principal of YHKCC, said, “This has been a very exciting moment for us. The important thing is actually these children are from different and difficult backgrounds. So for them to be cared for is something we believe we are able to give. It is also our privilege to be part of this experience, to help them in becoming part of the new leadership required in their country in whatever field they inspire to become. It is an amazing experience for them, and for every one of us.”
The Choir also performed a 90-minute enthusiastic show at 7:30 pm in the school hall and it attracted an audience of over 800, including parents and their friends, primary school students in Tung Chung and families from the community.
With the generous support from all, the Casual Dress Day and crepe paper flowers raised a remarkable amount of over HK$25,000, and all proceeds will go to the Watoto Childcare Ministries.
To view more photos, please check out http://www.ymcacc.edu.hk/en/gallery/photo_gallery/index.php or http://www.watoto.asia/en/2012/02/concert-of-hope-22-02-2012/
