Over 200 pupils took to the stage with the African Children’s Choir to perform a joyful concert which celebrated life and the uniting power of music.
Children from Inglefield House, The Grange and Agincourt School & Nursery sang a medley of uplifting songs alongside the touring musicians, raising nearly £3,000 to help them fulfil their dreams.
Started by a volunteer more than 40 years ago, the choir gives deprived children from across Africa the opportunity to tour the UK, US and Canada, performing along the way.
Hilary Phillips, Headmistress of Inglefield House, said: “The concert was electrifying – brimming with energy and infectious enthusiasm.
“The organisation is called ‘Music For Life’. Particularly appropriate music is woven into life at Inglefield and the concert enables African children from Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan and South Africa to have a better life.
“This was Choir 46 and 2 of the helpers, or ‘aunties and uncles’ as they’re known, had previously been in Choirs 14 and 19. They had graduated from universities in Africa, then gone back to work for the organisation helping more choirs to tour.
“Children in the choir spoke of their dreams, they wanted to become nurses, teachers, pilots, mechanics, midwives, bank managers.
“With close to £3k raised on Wednesday night, these dreams are now a little closer to becoming real.”
Pupils from each school and the choir practised separately, coming together for just two joint rehearsals to put it all together.
Mrs Phillips added: “The result was an explosion of colour, energy and pure happiness.
“After the concert, the African children headed off to stay with host families, then returned to school for lessons at Inglefield the next day – quite different from their usual surroundings!”
Members of the choir can be sponsored by people all over the world.
Inglefield House sponsors Phephile Mayisa and the children exchange letters with her regularly.
Click here for more information on the African Children’s Choir
