Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda singing their way across Midwest
By Dan Yount
The Cincinnati Herald
Watoto means “The Children,” and these children are on a mission. Through their inspirational songs and compelling stories, the Watoto Children's Choir is spreading a message of hope for Africa's children, and they are appearing in several concerts in Cincinnati.
In 1994, Gary and Marilyn Skinner were moved with compassion concerning the critical orphan crisis in Uganda. As a result, Watoto Child Care Ministries was established as an outreach of Kampala Pentecostal Church. Today, Watoto is caring for more than 1500 parentless children by providing physical, emotional, educational and spiritual care.
The goal of Watoto is to raise the next generation of Ugandan leaders by pursuing excellence in academic and practical skills, integrity in conduct and moral values, so that each child becomes a responsible and productive citizen.
Since 1994, the Watoto Children's Choirs have toured internationally as ambassadors for orphan children in Uganda. “Concerts of Hope” inform people of Watoto's vital work and afford audiences the opportunity to participate in restoring hope and dignity to some of Africa's most needy children.
Each child in the choir has experienced tremendous personal tragedy, having lost one or both parents in the African AIDS crisis or other calamities. Now through their music and dance, audiences around the world witness the life-transforming love of God experienced by the children of Watoto.
The choir's music and multimedia presentation is a soulful fusion of gospel and contemporary African style.
Dressed in colorful costume, the children's enthusiastic song and energetic dance has moved audiences world-wide.
Concert dates in Cincinnati Area. Nov. 13, 7 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1285 Main St., Hamilton Nov. 14, 9 a.m., Community Learning Center, 2121 Hatmaker Street, Cincinnati Nov. 14, 7 p.m., Faith Community UMC, 8230 Cox Road, West Chester Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m., St. Anne Episcopal Church, 6461 Tylersville Road, West Chester Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. Southern Baptist Church, 3556 Reading Road, Cincinnati
