Pay It Forward

BECOME A SPONSOR

Pg. 6

When I Grow Up Pg. 4 VOLUNTEER with the CHOIR Pg. 8

Pg. 3

Music for Life | Printed in Canada

CONTENTS

2 3 4 6 8 9

Across Africa Become a Sponsor When I Grow Up Pay It Forward Tour with the Choir Join us in Africa

Since 1984 over 1,000 children have

toured as part of the Choir and hundreds of thousands of children and families have been aided in some way by Music for Life. Many of the children from the early years of the Choir are giving back and making a difference to their communities and many are mentoring the younger children, each ensuring that the cycle continues. The Young Africans and other young adults mentioned throughout this magazine were once children with very little hope. Each is now able to contribute to society in a positive way. Jane has invented a device that will help ease the workload for farmers; Francoise is able to help her grandmother improve her living conditions and Daniel is a leader among his classmates at the African Childrens Choir Primary School. The newest Choir members have their own hopes and dreams and you can help inspire, encourage and support these children by making a donation, sponsoring a specific child, or hosting a concert in your community. Tonight is an opportunity for YOU to help Africas most vulnerable children today, so they can help Africa tomorrow. For the children,

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Take the Choir Home with You! EDITORIAL TEAM

Executive Editors: Ray Barnett, Suzanne Nelson Editors: Dawna Hodgins Cover Photo: Jennifer Kohlrus Content Contribution: Dawna Hodgins Photographic Contribution: Tina Devries, Sally France, Kyle Healy, Nicolas Koole, Sean Mathis, Jeremy Moore, Alex Palmer, Craig Peters, Jenny Prickett, Tamsin Scurfield, Victor Thiessen, Paul Yates Design and Layout: Michael Prins

CONTACT US

United States PO Box 29690, Bellingham WA 98228 T 877-532-8651 F 800-394-4647 Canada PO Box 3100, Langley, BC V3A 4R3 T 877-532-8651 F 800-394-4647 United Kingdom PO Box 356, Tadworth, UK, KT20 9EA T 084-5073-0470 F 028-9266-6601 South Africa PO Box 365, Komatipoort 1340 E info@africanchildrenschoir.com W africanchildrenschoir.com
Gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. Music for Life is a registered charitable organization in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and South Africa. In the UK, Music for Life is a company limited by guarantee and not a share capital.

Find the Choir

ONLINE

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FOUNDERs WORD

Helping Africas so they can most vulnerable help Africa children today, tomorrow
this is the vision of the African Childrens Choir and Music for Life programs across Africa. Here is what your support has done and is doing continent-wide:
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7

3 4 1 2

UGANDA

Choir Training Academy where new Choir children are trained The African Childrens Choir Primary School provides quality education for Choir children returning from tour 150+ Choir children sponsored in secondary schools supported with additional camps, workshops, and mentorship 40+ former Choir children sponsored in colleges/universities Sponsorship of 2 literacy schools, serving 500+ young students in Kampala slums 5 Music for Life Centers offering music, dance, nutrition and life-skills Sponsorship of children in 3 primary schools established by MFL Sponsorship of additional secondary school children

4 RWANDA 5 SOUTH AFRICA

20 Choir children supported in secondary and post-secondary supported with additional camps, workshops and mentorship Support for Gisimba Orphange

2 KENYA

90+ Choir children sponsored in primary, secondary and post-secondary school supported with additional camps and mentorship 2 Music for Life Centers offering music, dance, and life-skills Relief and Development Course offered to western and African participants

Music for Life Junior Academy provides quality education for children returning from tour. Choir children sponsored in secondary and post secondary school supported with additional camps, workshops and mentorship

3 SOUTH SUDAN

Bright Star Academy, a secondary boarding school, provides quality education for hundreds of teens and adults Kajo Keji Teachers Training College providing skills training, rebuillding the local school system Rural Clinic, offering much needed medical relief

6 GHANA & NIGERIA 7

&

Sponsorship of former Choir children in secondary and postsecondary school Ongoing support of Kings Kids Primary School in Nigeria Ongoing support of Living Stone Primary School in Ghana

africanchildrenschoir.com /

ACROSS AFRICA
2

This child smiles because someone like you cares.

CHANGE
AFRICA ONE CHILD
For more visit:

AT A TIME

africanchildrenschoir.com /help/sponsorship

BECOME A
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Sponsor a child from the Choir or one of the many other children attending Music for Lifes educational programs in Africa. Monthly sponsorship makes a huge impact. Develop a long-term, rewarding relationship with your sponsored child and help your child get an education and achieve their dreams.

SPONSOR

Helping Africas most vulnerable children today

Uganda, where she lives with her parents, a brother and two sisters. Her favorite subjects in school are Math, English, Reading and Writing. When Angel grows up she wants to be a nurse. What did you want to be when you grew up? For some children the dream constantly changes, and what they become as adults is far different than their childhood dreams. For others a passion ignited at a young age lasts through adulthood.

Nine year old Angel is from

WHEN I GROW UP
Above: Angel is a member of the 38th African Childrens Choir. She will be enrolled at the ACC Primary School in Entebbe to begin discovering her dream of becoming a nurse.

africanchildrenschoir.com /

 My name is I Brian. When

grow up, I want to be a pilot.

WHEN I GROW UP

become a pilot so he can help people travel to another country, and Sarah wishes to be a teacher. Like most children, these dreams may change. But no matter what these dreams eventually become, each child will receive the support and education to make it happen.

In poverty stricken villages and slums, dreams most often do not survive the daily hardships that come with living in extreme poverty.

My name is I Sarah. When

grow up, I want to be a teacher.

Members of the African Childrens Choir and children in Music for Life Centers are exposed to new ideas through the people they meet. Chaperones, host families, volunteers and many others introduce experiences that open up a whole different world of dreams.

As members of

the African Childrens Choir Tour 38, Angel, Joshua, Brivett, Sarah and Brian will have a chance to achieve their dreams. Music for Life will ensure their education until they have completed post-secondary school. They will also receive love and encouragement from their sponsors. As part of the Music for Life family, thousands of other children who are not part of the Choir will have a chance for a quality education, and will have goals, dreams and the chance to change Africa and the world. And after all, no matter where you live in the world, there can never be too many nurses, cardiologists, veterinarians, pilots or teachers!

Joshua is 8 years old

and is also traveling with Tour 38. When he grows up he would like to be a cardiologist. Before coming on tour, the word cardiologist would have been beyond Joshuas vocabulary. But now, not only is becoming a cardiologist a new idea, it is also a possibility!

My name is I Brivett. When

grow up, I want to be a vet.

so he can help animals. Brian wishes to

Brivett wishes to be a vet

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The

AFRICANCHILDRENSCHOIR
presents

TM

the

YOUNG AFRICANS
Our AFRICAN DREAM
in

they were once children in the Choir... ... today, they are living out their dreams.
home of the African Childrens Choir, has educated over 52,000 children in seven African countries during its 27-year history. Proceeds from the Choirs work help provide education, care and emergency relief for children in Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, South Sudan,

Music for Life Institute,

Rwanda, Nigeria, and Ghana. The African Childrens Choir raises awareness of the plight of Africas orphaned and abandoned, but also highlights the beauty, dignity and potential of each African child. They are a voice for the millions of deserving children in Africa.

Introducing
THE

YOUNG AFRICANS
We are here for Africa, for a dream we all share
Fiona Kaitesi
I am Rwandese but a Ugandan citizen. I was in the 21st Choir. Without the Choir, I would never have had the kind of education that I have had. Someday, I would like to start up several orphanages in countries like Somalia and Uganda so that I can give hope and a brighter future to the children who suffer because of other peoples mistakes and cruel hearts. One day I would like to walk on the streets of Kampala and see no street children; this is my dream.

Racheal Tulina
I traveled with the 19th African Childrens Choir. It was the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I visited different parts of the world, and I have been given a good education, attending some of the best schools in Uganda. I have been spiritually nurtured. Through all this love freely given to me, I have come to believe that indeed God is real and mighty. I would like to own a pharmacy in my home town, well-stocked with good and affordable medication for the people.

Sania Nakayiza
The Choir taught me to always have hope for a better future, knowing that it was my responsibility to change my society and serve my community and family using the tools and experiences I received while in the Choir. I hope to become a journalist, to create awareness of Ugandas problems and how we can help ourselves to overcome them. So many lack knowledge and information. Others feel they have nothing to offer. Yet Ive come to know that everybody has the potential to make a difference in their lives and others, one step at a time.

Grace Nakalembe
I was in the 19th Choir. In the Choir, I was encouraged to be confident, to question, to have an independent mind, to have a dream and believe that I can achieve it - all of which in most African cultures are not acceptable, especially for the girl child. I am waiting to join university where I hope to pursue a degree in Law. I would like to be a voice to the voiceless, an advocate for the poor, especially the children.

Alice Nambooze
I am 20 years old and have just completed my high school education, and waiting to join University. I want to become a lawyer and make a difference in my countrys judicial system. Life in the Choir - never a dull moment. From traveling around the world, to new brothers and sisters, to attending good schools, to never worrying about where the next meal will come from. In the Choir, I have learned to love both God and people, sing, dance and be happy, to share, and above all, that I can make a difference.

Isaac Lwanga
In 1999 I became a member of the 19th African Childrens Choir. I have learned that it is not so much about where you come from but where you are going. Even though I was from such a humble background, in the Choir, I managed to touch so many peoples lives through a smile, a song, a dance. My dream is to become a lawyer that will work towards bringing to justice those that are corrupt.

The Young Africans in concert during their 2012 season

Jonathan Ahabyona
I was the youngest in the 19th Choir. In the Choir, I was assured of an education, food, love, play, spiritual guidance and all other childrens rights that would normally only be enjoyed by the privileged of my country. I have come to learn that Africa as a whole can change for the better if only children are invested in with a good and quality education. At the moment, I am waiting to join university where I hope to pursue a degree in Journalism.

Nicolas Gathu
I was in Choir 22, one of the best things that have happened in my life. It has ensured that I get that much needed education to have a go at pursuing my dream. In the Choir, I have a family, respect and I even accepted Christ as my personal savior. Now I can dream. My dream is to become an Architect. I would like to be able to provide people with affordable and good houses with clean water, sanitation and safety.

Samuel Semanda
I was chosen to be part of the 21st Choir. In the Choir, I did not only learn how to sing and dance but also about cooperation, teamwork, unity and most importantly how to love and be loved. I have also learned the importance of giving, receiving and being a blessing to others. I have just completed high school waiting to be placed in University/ College. My dream is to become a child psychologist or even a lawyer who will advocate for disadvantaged children and their rights.

Jane Wanjiku
I am a Kenyan. I became a member of the 22nd Choir and my life has not been the same since. I became secure since I did not have to worry about school fees, food and other basic necessities. I also discovered talents in music which I never knew I had. I have grown into a bright young lady who is on her way to making a difference in her community and country at large. I am hoping to join university to become a Civil Engineer. I would like to be able to bring proper sanitation, clean water, and electricity to many of the poor and disadvantaged in my country.

Patricia Nassanga
I was in grade two when the Choir found me. It has taught me to give, that the smallest of gifts can be the very blessing that someone else needs - a simple smile or hug can be the blessing to someones soul and could change them completely. In 10 years I see myself as a successful lawyer or journalist. There is so much injustice especially against the poor of our society who cannot buy justice and who quite often find themselves imprisoned for nothing. There are so many poor people who need a voice; I would like to be that voice.

Sandy Nakyanzi
I was privileged to become a member of the 19th African Childrens Choir. In the Choir, I learned to sing, dance and perform. This has given me great confidence. Now I can stand before multitudes and talk or even perform. If not for the Choir, I would never have dreamed of becoming a talk show host and an events coordinator. But these are now my dreams; I know I can achieve them.

Mary Namubiru
I was in the 19th African Childrens Choir. Through my experiences, I have not only improved my musical abilities but have also gained self esteem, learned to care for others and that the world is bigger than my small village, and that I can achieve my dream if only I work hard. I hope to join university and pursue a medical degree to specialise in pediatrics so that I can reach out to the children who so desperately need not only medical attention, but someone who understands their pain.

Resty Babirye
I was 9 when I was selected for the Choir and have not looked back. I have learned how to sing, how to love, how to hope for a better tomorrow. After university I hope to start my own art gallery to provide business to those who make the art and hopefully employ some that need the work. I would also like to advocate for an education that equips the hands as well as the mind. Quality jobs lead to less young people walking the streets, less crime, and less suffering children.

-Jonathan

can change for the better if only children are invested in with a quality education.

Africa as a whole

FROM THE PERFORMERS SPECIAL THANKS

We are thankful to have had

the pleasure of performing both as members of the African Children's Choir and now as Young Africans. Being a part of Music For Life over the years has helped us remain physically strong, mentally awake, morally upright and has healed our souls. We believe that every single minute spent doing the right thing can lead to a great impact in one's life and inspires a lost soul. To change the world it begins with a single step and for us it is the rhythm of music. When you help a child it produces a ripple effect.Your support today has an influence on both the Africa of today and the Africa of tomorrow. Together we can make Our African Dream come true. We are here for Africa, for a dream we all share.

PROGRAM

OUR AFRICAN DREAM

CHWINYWA BOLINGO
Northern Uganda Traditional Congolese Traditional

AFRICAN "STOMP" AFRICA UJESU

South African Traditional

Sam, Rachel, Grace, Jane, Fiona, Patricia, Mary, Sandra, Sania, Resty, Nicholas, Isaac, Alice, and Jonathan

AMAZING GRACE ORPHANS Of GOD RAKA-RAKA

Acholi Traditional

pulled this show together and we want to thank all of them! Ray Barnett, Julia Barnett-Tracy, Caleb Collins, Joseph Desire, Sally France, Steve Jean, Abraham Kiyingi, Priscilla Kurutu, Scott Lambie, Rheanne Lechkobit, Sean Mathis, Alice Nabwami, Suzanne Nelson, David Travis, Barnett Twesigomwe, Barbara Walusimba, Dan Weiner and Luke Wooten. A special thanks to Barbara Kayaga, a former Choir member who beautifully wrote and arranged Africa and There Is.

Many hands

DRUM SOLO I SMILE REDEEMER - video THERE IS REACH OUT/LEAN ON ME HOW HE LOVES AMAGUNJU DANCE
Bugandan Traditional

encore: OH HAPPY DAY

the

YOUNG AFRICANS
Our AFRICAN DREAM
in

PAY IT FORWARD

that someone believes in you, great things can happen; a small amount of encouragement and support can make a huge difference. Over the years Music for Life has witnessed incredible changes in the children. Once selfconscious and shy, the children blossom becoming leaders among their peers.

When you know

Herbert has just finished Secondary School

in Luwero. Life has not been easy for Herbert. He grew up with just his mother to raise him. In 2006 Herbert was in an accident and has had two operations on his legs. He has since been diagnosed with arthritis in his knees. But in spite of the challenges, Herbert is a natural leader and mentor to his peers. When giving testimonies, many other students will refer to something that Herbert said or did that helped them. During several of his vacations at secondary school Herbert organized community work projects for his fellow students to give back to their community.

Douglas practicing with the auto mechanics afterschool club

Some of Herberts projects have included building a house for an old man, cleaning up the garbage in the slums, and raising money to buy food for a babies home. Herberts mind is always active and thinking up new ideas. He has just started a networking group for students from his former school. The hope is to connect both socially and professionally.

Douglas

took part in the auto mechanics after-school club while he was at the African Childrens Choir Primary School last year. During one of his school holidays Douglas was excited to report that he was able to use what he learned, and helped his brotherin-law with a flat tire. The man was hesitant, seeing that this was just a young boy, but Douglas insisted he could help. My brother-in-law was so surprised because there are big people who cant do that,

...So they can help Africa tomorrow.

africanchildrenschoir.com /

PAY IT FORWARD
scholarship for her school fees Francoise also leads in the schools Devotions and is the Deputy Head Girl. To give back some of the love and support that her grandmother has given her, Francoise has saved hard and had electric lights installed into her grandmothers house. Her next idea is to buy cement for a proper floor.

Jane invented an award-winning machine that will give back

to her community farmers! Jane and another student created a self-operating cattle feeder for their Science Congress project. The cattle feeder only needs one person to fill it once in the morning and the feeder self- operates throughout the day. This leaves the farmers with enough time to attend to other chores and activities. The project won the top award at the National Level. Jane is currently touring with The Young Africans. One day, Jane would like to be an architect and build a childrens home where disadvantaged children would receive education, love, food, play and be nurtured both physically, mentally and spiritually just as I was in the African Childrens Choir. These youth used to feel only the bleak despair that comes from living in extreme poverty; once hopeless and despondent, they are now thriving. They are proud to be leaders in their schools. Their confidence and self-worth increases when they are able to use their skills to give back and make a difference for others.

Francoise and her grandmother

said Douglas. It was a skill I learned in just two days. Not long after, the man drove happily away on his newly installed spare tire!

Francoise is an orphan living with her Grandmother and

sister in a village two hours from Kigali. She lives with an aunt who has two small children, and an uncle who is also still in secondary school. Francoise is a hard working girl and excels at school. In addition to doing well academically she recently won a partial

My dream...

7 / africanchildrenschoir.com

to one day be an architect and build a home for disadvantaged children.

Jane and her awardwinning cattle feeder

IT TAKES

A WHOLE VILLAGE.

VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTEER
WITH THE
Chaperone on Tour
An experience unlike any other! You can join the African Childrens Choir Tour! Travel throughout the USA, Canada, or even parts of Europe as one in a team of caregivers and tour staff. Special Roles needed: Tour Leader, Sound Tech, Music Supervisor, Teacher, and Bus Driver

CHOIR

Travel to Africa
Music for Life Teams are headed to Uganda, Kenya, or South Africa, to facilitate work projects or day camps for underprivileged children. Your team of six to 12 will enjoy community involvement, site visits, comfortable accomodations, and an optional safari experience!

africanchildrenschoir.com/volunteer 1-877-532-8651

volunteer@africanchildrenschoir.com

africanchildrenschoir.com /

LLY LIAFRICA? REA IN

Could I really study overseas?
Is international development for me?
I think Africas where I should be.

HATS IT W

NIN G & LEAR KE LIVIN

OU ONT KNOW UNLESS Y YOU W

T. ET YOUR FEET WE G
Relief &
Get your feet wet. Combining classroom teaching, guest speakers, and hands-on practical experience in the field, participants of all ages will learn, live, and serve within Music for Lifes projects and their surrounding communities. You will be matched up with local students for a full learning experience! This is truly a taste of what it is like living and working in the Relief and Development field!

Development

COURSE

africanchildrenschoir.com/help 1-877-532-8651 volunteer@africanchildrenschoir.com

Course Schedule
NAIROBI, KENYA
4 weeks June/July 2012
*Applicants must be 18 yrs old at time of travel, willing to be responsible for all program costs, and have a heart for learning.

ENROLL NOW!
9 / africanchildrenschoir.com

CDs

NEW

Featuring the Young Africans, a unique ensemble of young adults who were once Choir children and Africas most vulnerable. Inspiring favorites from their 2012 tour

TEAR and MAIL

Our African Dream

TAKE the Choir home with YOU!

AFRICANCHILDRENSCHOIR MERCHANDISE

Gospel With Friends

Music CDs & DVDs

TITLE Our African Dream NEW Gospel with Friends Still Walking in the Light Because You Loved Me Devotion It Takes a Whole Village Still Walking in the Light (DVD) Teach Me to Dance (DVD) QTY USD/CAD $15 $15 $15 $15 $15 $15 $20 $20 $20 $15
Or Call to Order: 877-532-8651

A highlight of some of the Choirs favourite gospel classics and performances with special friends such as Michael W. Smith and Jars of Clay

It Takes A Whole Village

A rich compilation of 17 traditional African songs and a few English favourites, taking you on an authentic African experience through the beats of various African cultures

T-SHIRTs (circle selection)

ADULT CHILD
S M S (6-8) L
XL XXL

M (10-12) L (14-16)
Subtotal

Still Walking in the Light

TEAR and MAIL

A live recording of the Choirs 15th Anniversary Celebration. A time-honored collection featuring all-time classics such as O Happy Day and This Little Light of Mine (Also in DVD)

Shipping & Handling add 10% Total

Name: _____________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________________ State/Province: ______________________ Post/Zip Code: ____________ Phone: (________)___________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________
Corresponding via email lowers administration costs. We will not share or sell your email address.

Devotion:

Share with the Choirs daily time of praise and worship in this balanced mix of both energetic and easy-listening contemporary Christian praise songs

Because You Loved Me

A collection of the Choirs most popular songs, such as Highway to Heaven and Seed to Sow, including the popular title track Because You Loved Me

Method of Payment:
Check made payable to Music for Life Visa Master Card AMEX Other: ___________________

Card Holder: _______________________________________________ Card Number: _________ / _________ / _________ / _________

DVDs

Teach Me To Dance

Expiry Date: ________ / _____________ Signature: _________________________________________________

TEAR and MAIL

A live recording of the Choirs 20th Anniversary Celebration at Vancouvers prestigious Orpheum Theatre. See the color, energy, and sounds of the Choir and other special performers, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Filmed in widescreen and 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound

Mail your order form to:

United States: PO Box 29690, Bellingham, WA 98228-1690 Canada: PO Box 3100, Langley, BC V3A 4R3

Or contact us at

t: 877-532-8651 f: 800-394-4647 e: INFO@africanchildrenschoir.com

africanchildrenschoir.com /

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support the work of the Choir

For a tax receipt, please ensure that you provide your mailing address.
Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Tax receipts for donations under $15 will be issued by request only.

Name: __________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________ State/Province: _______________ Post/Zip Code: _______________ Phone: ( _________ ) ______________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________
Corresponding via email lowers administration costs.We will not share or sell your email address.

I would like to Sponsor a Child! Please accept my monthly gift to support: Choir Child Sponsorship Child Sponsorship $50 $35
TEAR and MAIL

$100

$150

$200

I would like to Donate today! Please accept my special gift of: my monthly gift of: Child School Fees Music for Life Centers across Africa African Childrens Choir Primary School Other (please specify): ___________________________________ $____________ to support:

TEAR and MAIL

YES I want to

My check payable to Music for Life is enclosed. Debit my bank account (void check enclosed) Debit my credit card: Card Holder: ____________________________________________ Card Number: ________ / ________ / ________ / ________ Expiry Date: ______ / __________ Signature: ______________________________________________
Payments will be taken on the 15th (credit card) or 18th (direct debit) of each month. I understand that I may revoke this authorization at any time by providing 15 days notice.

SPONSOR A
...did you know?
Please sign up today to start an ongoing relationship with a child and their family in need. A monthly donations supports school fees, school uniforms, food and nutrition, and more.

CHILD

Monthly child sponsorship is one of the most practical, impactful ways you can help the Choir.

For more information: t: 877-532-8651 f: 800-394-4647

TEAR and MAIL

Mail to: United States PO Box 29690, Bellingham, WA 98228 Canada PO Box 3100, Langley, BC V3A 4R3

MAG-2012

e: info@africanchildrenschoir.com w: africanchildrenschoir.com

africanchildrenschoir.com/help/sponsorship

Find the Choir

ONLINE

@acchoir