:: Welcome to MyHomeTown ::

Dec. 17, 2008: On Wednesday, Dec. 3, the students of The Chapel School in Bronxville were treated to a concert performed by the Watoto Children’s Choir of Uganda.

Watoto means “The Children,” and these children are on a mission. Through their inspirational songs and compelling stories, the Watoto Children&r

1/6/2009 7:37:31 AM

Dec. 17, 2008: On Wednesday, Dec. 3, the students of The Chapel School in Bronxville were treated to a concert performed by the Watoto Children’s Choir of Uganda.

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.

Since 1994, the Watoto Children’s Choirs have toured internationally as ambassadors for orphaned 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 worldwide.

After the concert at Chapel, Watoto choir members joined students from The Chapel School in their classrooms and asked each other questions to get to know each other a little bit and learn something about each other’s cultures. They played games together, sang songs, and danced. The experience gave all of the children exposure to another culture, broadening their worldview.

Watoto adult leaders say the experience gives their children confidence and boldness and helps them to rise up out of their own situations of sadness and despair. Chapel School students benefited greatly from this experience as well.

This experience fits right in with Chapel’s extensive, groundbreaking multicultural studies and service-learning programs. An offering from Chapel School families was presented to the choir and discussions are underway as to how a relationship can continue between The Chapel School and Watoto Children’s Choir.

Editor’s Note: The Chapel School, serving preschool to 8^th grade students, is an integral part of the Bronxville Village Lutheran Church’s ministry. Established in 1947, it provides a quality education to a wonderfully diverse student body in a nurturing Christian environment.