Uganda: Watoto Fundraising Concert on

Uganda: Watoto Fundraising Concert on

The Monitor (Kampala)

22 February 2008
Posted to the web 22 February 2008

Odiirah Nansamba
Kampala

You might have heard of the word Watoto, or seen Kampala Pentecostal Church members dressed in T-shirts with the word. You might also know them, but have not got the opportunity to reach them and help.

Here is your opportunity to do it. Today, Pastor Gary and Marilyn Skinner, who are the founders of Watoto, are hosting this year's fundraising event, is the first of its kind.

HOPEFUL: The Watoto children

According to Ms Penny Mukasa, one of the organisers of the concert, there are plans to make it an annual event. This concert is aimed at raising funds to establish a medical centre at one of the Watoto children's village, Suubi. Suubi Watoto village used to be composed of the youngest adopted children until 2007 when the babies were transferred to Bulrushes, and Suubi was turned into a village, with grown up Watoto. It is located on the outskirts of Kampala.

The Watoto Concert of Hope will be held at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, ballroom.Guests will be entertained by the Watoto Children's Choir, singing songs from their new album called Mambo Sawa, Life is Good.

Watoto has 32 choirs, most of whom are Ugandans. The particular choir that is going to perform at the event is composed of about 18 children and four adults. These children have lost one or both parents to Aids. This choir is dedicated to improving the way of life for children in Africa. It has toured in many countries across the world, like Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia.

The mission of Watoto is about more than saving children from the tragic circumstances surroundingthem. It is also about giving abandoned children the tools and skills to care for themselves, their families, community and country. By putting these gifts in the hands of these children, a powerful force of positive change is created in them.

The concert starts at 5p.m., and tickets cost Shs100,000 per person and Shs900,000 for a table of 10.