WITH energetic dance routines, colourful costumes and angelic voices, the Watoto Choir brought a little bit of Africa to St Peter Claver College, Riverview.
The acclaimed Watoto (Swahili for “child”) Choir made up of rescued Ugandan children aged between eight and 18, use dance, song and music to tell their personal stories and raise awareness of the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa.
Each choir member had suffered the loss of one or both parents either through war or disease.
Using an energetic fusion of contemporary gospel and traditional African rhythms the choir has toured Australia, Brazil, China, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Germany, France and the United States, playing to audiences that included royalty, presidents, prime ministers and ordinary people.
St Peter Claver College was the starting point for the choir’s latest five-month tour of Australia and New Zealand, titled “Beautiful Africa: A New Generation”.
Student Maxine Levi said it was inspirational to witness the children perform with such energy and joy, and the audience got to see some of their stories through their singing and dancing.
“Even though there were a lot of fun moments, like when some students were invited on stage to try some dance moves, we still got the message that they were trying to get across which was really emotional,” she said.
“A strong message that came through was that Jesus will always look over us, no matter where we are from or what colour we are; Jesus will always be the one Jesus we look to for hope.
“I think everyone needs hope.”
Principal Diarmuid O’Riordan said the college was fortunate to have Watoto perform and it was a powerful affirmation for the college’s African students and families.
He said the college was proud of its multicultural and ethnically diverse character.
“In the past few years our African enrolments have increased such that we now have 24 students,” he said.
“With Year 7 and 8 coming next year it is expected to grow to over 30.”
Mr O’Riordan said hosting the world famous choir on May 20 was a significant step in promoting the traditions of the African community within the college community.
“The hardship experienced by the children of Watoto is a common story and has strong links to many African Australians who have left war-torn and poverty-stricken countries and pursued a better life for their children in Australia,” he said.
Mr O’Riordan said students were asked to bring a gold-coin donation to support the choir and the college also announced it would sponsor one of the children in the choir, to assist with education, housing, food and clothing.
“Our school leaders and African students had the privilege of sharing lunch with the choir after the performance which also provided another great opportunity to enrich our cultural experiences at Claver,” he said.
