Watoto

Last night I went to see the Watoto African Children's choir at a local church.

The choir is made up of children from Uganda, who have been orphaned due to the huge HIV/AIDS pandemic or through war. These children, although orphaned, are now being cared for by The Watoto Child Care Ministries.

Uganda has been ravaged by war, poverty and disease, particularly HIV/AIDS and the pandemic has orphaned 14 million children.
More than 20,000 children have been abducted and forced to serve as child soldiers in Uganda
(Unicef 2008)

The children who are now with Watoto really know hardship and suffering in life.

They have such strong testimonies, coming from desperate situations to a place of peace, joy and happiness that they have found through their faith and love of Jesus. They give God the glory for bringing them through their troubled times and praise Him for the lives they now have.

One song they sang was called, 'I am not forgotten...God knows my name'.
I had tears in my eyes thinking of the past these children had had to suffer and endure, but here they were singing their hearts out and thanking God that even in the midst of the darkest of times, He had not forgotten them. He had a bigger plan for their lives and brought healing, love and kindness through the work of Watoto.

Quote from Watoto website:
'Since 1994, Watoto children’s choirs have toured internationally as ambassadors for Watoto. The vision and mission are presented through music and dance, which is an energetic fusion of contemporary gospel and traditional African rhythm. These ‘Concerts of Hope’ are a lively demonstration of the life-changing love
experienced by the children of Watoto. The experience benefits the children academically,socially,emotionally and spiritually and is designed to train and equip them as future leaders'.

After the concert we were asked to donate money if we felt able to. They also had a small stall, selling things like traditional jewellery, bags, hand carved wooden animals, pens and pencils as well as cd's of the children singing.

Here is my great-niece, Esme, holding her new dolly that she got from the Watoto shop. She loves it! The doll is an African lady called Irene and she carries a baby on her back called Ondu. The widows make these dolls to raise money for the organisation.

I would encourage you to check out their website to learn more about this wonderful organisation who is bringing hope to a new generation of Ugandans.

http://www.watoto.com/home