WATOTO CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Watoto and LIV, in partnership, will present the Watoto Children’s Choir in KwaZulu-Natal during their country-wide tour of South Africa. Watoto (“children” in Kiswahili) is a holistic care programme, initiated to serve the needs of Africa and her people. LIV is modelling their first children’s village in Verulam, on the successful Watoto villages which have been operating for the past 17 years in Uganda.

In KZN, the choir will perform at a Gala evening at the Playhouse in Durban, alongside the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and the Drakensberg Boys Choir on May 7 to raise funds and awareness.

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 Choirs have travelled internationally since 1994, as ambassadors for the 47.5 million children in Africa, orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, war, poverty and disease. Each of child 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. Choir members are selected by an audition process and have the opportunity to travel at least once.

Since its inception, 47 choirs have travelled globally, providing the children with a bigger world view. Four choirs are currently on the road in Canada, Europe and the USA. Choir 48 started their tour in South Africa in February 2011.

Other venues include various churches, schools and community halls. Information on these performances will also be made available on the LIV website. Contact LIV for further information at 031 562 9986 or email Claire@liv-village.com. For regular updates on choirs on the road visit http://watotochoirs.wordpress.com or www.watoto.com