Orphans’ stories touch pupils

Bethlehem College pupils are feeling fortunate after hearing the heart-warming stories of orphan children living in Uganda this week.

The Watoto Children's Choir performed and shared real-life stories to about 500 pupils and teachers at the college and then to crowds at Te Puke Baptist Church.

The Watoto Children's Choir performed at Bethlehem College this week in an effort to raise awareness about the orphan children living in Uganda. Photo: supplied.

The visit is part of Watoto's mission to raise awareness of the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children of Africa.

Bethlehem College teacher Phillip Russell says all of the children in the choir, consisting of 36 people aged six to 30, have lost either one or two parents.

'One of the boys was abandoned at a police station and Watoto took him in and have given him the quality of life which he otherwise probably wouldn't have had.

'At least two of the adults were Watoto children but have now gone on to complete their degrees.”

According to the Watoto Children's Choirs website, the choirs have travelled internationally since 1994. The choirs act as an advocate for the estimated 50 million African children orphaned because of HIV, aids, war, poverty or disease.

Philip says the teachers, parents and children are overwhelmed by how little the Watoto children have and yet are so grateful.

'Their stories are very impactful because they talk about the conditions of life before they were taken by Watoto.

'There's a real sense of joy about them. They're the most polite children you could meet and what we try to help our students at Bethlehem College understand is we are privileged to be here. And of course with privilege comes responsibility.”

The choir is currently touring New Zealand visiting Tauranga, Te Puke, Wellington, Palmerston North and Auckland before ending their tour in Australia. They return to Uganda on October 2, which means they're touring for at least five months.

He says each city they perform in is expected to billet members of the choir during their stay.

Watoto Choir group leader Bryan Mwaka says the purpose of the concerts is to raise awareness and support for the children in Uganda.

'We pray wherever we go that people know that no matter what you're going through in life, Jesus gave his life for us.

'We should be privileged and thankful for our parents and that we're able to come to school and get education.”

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