University of Dubuque to Host Watoto Children's Choir

Apr 12, 2012 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary

The University of Dubuque Wendt Center for Character Education and the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement are pleased to host the Watoto Children's Choir - advocates for the estimated 50 million children in Africa, orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, war, poverty and disease - on Thursday, April 26.  The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. in Blades Chapel on the University of Dubuque campus.  The event is free and open to the public.

With vibrant, original African music, dance routines, and life-transforming stories, the new Watoto Children's Choir tour - Beautiful Africa: A New Generation-  is indicative of the new generation of leaders emerging out of Watoto.

"Through the choir's Concert of Hope, we share a message of transformation by telling the story of Africa's rescued orphans and women. We hope to reach out to audiences with the message of Christ's healing power," says Gary Skinner, Watoto Founder.

The choir's stop in Dubuque is part of a 6-month tour, where the group will visit visiting San Antonio, Tulsa, Wichita, Little Rock, St Louis, Kansas City, Des Moines, Minneapolis and Milwaukee concluding the tour in Chicago.

With its genuine appeal, accompanied by music and dance - an energetic fusion of contemporary gospel and traditional African rhythm - the globally acclaimed Watoto Children's Choir has traveled internationally since 1994 as ambassadors for the millions of children in Africa, orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, war and poverty.

Each of the children in the choir has suffered the loss of one or both parents. They live in Watoto Children's Villages where they receive the care and nurture they need to grow up as productive citizens of their country.

Since its inception, 50 choirs have traveled globally, providing the children with a bigger worldview, an unusual opportunity they would otherwise never get. The choirs have been to Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and USA, among others. Their audiences have included royalty, presidents, ministers and the common people alike, capturing many hearts wherever they go. Visit watotochoirs.wordpress.com for regular updates on choirs on the road.  Go to www.watoto.com/choir for the full itinerary.