The youngsters of Watoto Child Care Ministries are among the more than one million Ugandan orphans who've lost one or both parents to the African AIDS epidemic. Founded by Gary and Marilyn Skinner as an outreach program of Kampala Pentecostal Church, Watoto matches at-risk children with nurturing families rather than placing them in large, institutional-style orphanages. Consequently, these children receive more personal attention and care, and their emotional, behavioral and educational needs are more effectively addressed. The Watoto Children's Choir is made up of Watoto orphans who perform gospel-style songs and cultural dances against native African rhythms, spreading a message of hope for Africa's children, drawing attention to the Uganda orphan crisis, and raising funds for the organization so that it can continue its charitable work. Beginning this Sunday, the choir presents several "Concerts of Hope" at Bay area churches. 8-9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wed., Jan. 9, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 4311 W. San Miguel St., Tampa. Free admission at all times. For info about other upcoming Tampa area performances, visit watotochoirtour.blogspot.com.
This article appears in Jan 2-8, 2008.