The Watoto choir was founded by senior pastors Gary and Marilyn Skinner in response to the Ugandan orphan crisis of 1992. The choir will play a free concert at 7.30pm in the Forum on Saturday, March 14.
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.
In 1992 the Skinners were moved with compassion concerning the critical orphan crisis in Uganda. As a result, Watoto Child Care Ministries was established.
Today, Watoto is caring for over 1,600 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 colourful costume, the children's enthusiastic song and energetic dance has moved audiences world-wide. In November 2007 Watoto Children's Choir had the privilege of singing for Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace and also at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings in Kampala.