The African Children’s Choir will perform in Central Texas this week, bringing music, movement and a message centered on education for children in East Africa.
The choir, made up of children from Uganda, tours the United States to raise funds for education while sharing African culture through song and dance.
“At the heart of what we do is education,” said Tina Sipp, the choir’s manager. “There are tens of thousands of children in East Africa who are not able to go to even a government school.”
Sipp said that even public education in Uganda can be financially out of reach for many families, making it difficult for children to escape poverty.
“It’s very, very difficult if you do not have any education to break the cycle of poverty,” she said.
Children are selected for the choir based on financial need, not musical ability.
“What we’re really looking for is who could not go to school if someone didn’t help,” Sipp said.
While admission to the concerts is free, the organization raises money through donations and the sale of merchandise. Each child selected for the African Children’s Choir has their education fully funded through college, Sipp said.
During the tour, the children also spend time immersed in English — a key skill for their schooling back home.
“Uganda’s education system operates mostly in English,” Sipp said. “So they go back light-years ahead of their peers.”
Beyond fundraising, Sipp said she hopes the performances help reshape how American audiences view Africa’s children.
“A lot of the images we’ve seen over the years don’t really represent the dignity of the children, or their potential or their beauty,” she said.
The concert program blends familiar hymns and Christmas music sung in English with African rhythms, drumming and dance.
“Buckle up,” Sipp said. “These children are seven to 10, and they pack a punch.”
The African Children’s Choir will perform Wednesday evening at First Baptist Church in Lorena. The concert begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public, with donations accepted.
Got a tip? Email Molly-Jo Tilton at Molly-jo_tilton@baylor.edu.
KWBU is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.
