Young voices sing for those in need (From Stroud News and Journal)

Young voices sing for those in need

INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed and Grammy nominated, the African Children's Choir - who are appearing at the Stroud Subscription Rooms this weekend - are a charitable force to be reckoned with.

Touring world-wide to raise money for the thousands of children in Africa who have suffered and are still suffering from the effects of wars and famine, the choir perform a wide variety of African songs, children's songs, gospel tunes and spirituals. They are accompanied by drumming and dance.

The choir is made up of boys and girls aged between five and twelve from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria and Ghana. They have appeared on national television and radio, as well as at the Royal Albert Hall and The London Palladium.

The funds raised by the choir are used to build schools and pay teaching staff in large cities and especially in hard-to-reach villages in the remotest, most conflict-riddled areas of Africa. The schools provide shelter, food, education and a future for the children.

The choir's concerts help show how easy it can be for a collection of individuals to make a difference to other people's lives.

Three local young people who have been helped by the Winston's Wish bereavement programme will be presenting Teddy Bears to each member of the Choir, many of whom have lost family to war and famine.

The show takes place on Friday May 10 at 7.30pm, and tickets are selling fast but there should be some still available at £2.50 from the Stroud Subscription Rooms' Box Office on 01453 760900.