Giving Back Pg.

8
On Her Majestys Service Hear the story behind the Choirs appearance at the Diamond Jubilee concert.

Become a Friend of the Choir When I Grow Up Pg. 6 Volunteer with the Choir Pg. 12

Pg. 4

3 Across Africa 4 Become a Friend of the Choir 6 When I grow up 8 Giving Back 10 On Her Majestys Service 12 Tour with the Choir 14-15 Support the work of the Choir 16 Take the Choir home with you!
EDITORIAL TEAM
Executive Editors: Ray Barnett, Suzanne Nelson Editors: Dawna Hodgins Cover Photo: Craig Peters 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: Mike Thorpe

FOUNDERs WORD

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. 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. In 2006, a UN AIDS report estimated that there were 12 million children orphaned by AIDS in Africa. Since then, the number has risen to an unthinkable level. The African Childrens Choir is a voice for the millions of vulnerable children back home in Africa. We want to raise awareness and be Gods hand extended to hurting children in Africa who desperately require our loving support. Tonight is an opportunity for YOU to help Africas most vulnerable children today, so they can help Africa tomorrow.
For the children,

Helping Africas most vulnerable children today,

this is the vision of the African Childrens Choir and Music for Life programmes across Africa. Here is what your support has done and is doing continent-wide:

so they can help Africa tomorrow

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 Centres 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

CONTACT US
United Kingdom Admin Office, Music for Life, PO Box 412, Lisburn BT28 9EB T 028 9266 6611 F 028 9266 6601 E info@africanchildrenschoir.com W africanchildrenschoir.com
Music for Life is a registered charitable organisation 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. Charity Registration Number 1090556

2 KENYA

90+ Choir children sponsored in primary, secondary and post-secondary school supported with additional camps and mentorship 2 Music for Life Centres 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

Find the Choir

ONLINE

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

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ACROSS AFRICA
3

CONTENTS

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Become a Friend of the Choir

Help develop the CHANGEMAKERS and future leaders of tomorrow.
Friend of the Choir is a monthly giving programme where you can choose a monthly pledge amount to partner with the African Childrens Choir financially and help us meet needs where help is needed most. The proceeds from the Friend of the Choir programme help children in Africa in several key ways:
Training programmes, education supplies and staffing Textbooks, classroom materials, Medical, household supplies and travel expenses

are proud to support the African Childrens Choir Tour

Visit stagecoachbus.com for service updates and timetable information.

Develop future leaders in Africa

The African Childrens Choir supports the spiritual and educational development of thousands of children and young adults from some of the most needy and vulnerable situations in Africa. Our support continues well after our children return from tour and extends to those who dont get the opportunity to be part of a touring choir. We provide education, counselling and medical assistance for our children through their primary, secondary and higher education development. Leadership development training Specialised Camps Workshops, Skills Training and Counselling

To be a voice representing the voiceless needy children in Africa.

The African Childrens Choir is more than a just a touring choir; we represent and support thousands of vulnerable children in Africa. The touring choir creates awareness and communicates the needs of many through music, dance and testimonies. Friend of the Choir funding helps our children continue to represent vulnerable children by covering expenses related to our touring programme including: Choir Selection, choir training and touring costs; Clothing, food; Medical, household supplies, travel expenses.

Would you like to host a cultural event in your church filled with brilliant colour, exuberant joy, spirited song and dance, heart touching stories of rescue and transformation with children from East Africa. Does your church seat 450 people or more? Can you host the children and chaperones two/three nights with church families?

If the answer is yes please contact our Choir Admin office: 028 9266 6611.

How you can help

Leave a legacy
Consider giving a legacy to Music for Life Academy (parent body of the African Childrens Choir) when making provision of a will for your family. Every kind of gift is hugely appreciated no matter how small and can make a big difference in the lives of children in Africa. If youre making a will for the first time, all you need to do is give your solicitor our registered address and charity number. Please contact our office for further information: Tel 028 9266 6611 Email info@africanchildrenschoir.com

Fundraising for the Choir

Host a coffee morning with your family
and friends.

What do Friend of the Choir sponsors get:

Welcome letter from our founder; Welcome gifts (Signed Photo of Jubilee Choir and CD) Quarterly Photo and Video Gallery Free African Childrens Choir songs sent via email Regular updates and concert itineraries from choir tours and field programmes in Africa A photo of any new choirs Annual online yearbook from the African Childrens Choir Primary School.

Organise a bag pack in your local

supermarket or collection day in your town centre or shopping centre. marathon or fun run.

Make a difference in African communities that need the most help

The African Childrens Choir operates field programmes that promote education and spiritual development for children and communities. Since we were founded in 1984, we have established education and training programmes in some of the most war torn and under developed areas of Africa. We have served generations of young men and women that would have otherwise been lost in the wake of destruction, famine and poverty. Friend of the Choir funding helps in areas that need the most help.

Seek sponsorship from friends for a Ask your local garage or convenience

store to allow you to display a collection box at their till points.

www.justgiving.com/africanchildrenschoir/donate www.btplc.com/mydonate/ http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/

Music for Life Academy is registered with Just Giving, Virgin money giving and My Donate. You can set up your own fundraising pages here and we would be delighted to assist you. Please contact: Tel 028 9266 6611 or Email info@africanchildrenschoir.com

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If you wish to become a Friend of the Choir sponsor please fill in the Direct Debit Form and Gift Aid Form (if you are a taxpayer) on page 14.

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WHEN I GROW UP

In poverty stricken villages and slums, dreams most often do not survive the daily hardships that come with living in extreme poverty. Members of the African Childrens Choir and children in Music for Life Centres 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.

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. 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.

As members of the African

My name is I Brian. When

7
grow up, I want to be a pilot.

Joshua is 8 years old

and is also travelling 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!

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!

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.

Helping Africas most vulnerable children today

Nine year old Angel is from

Uganda, where she lives with her parents, a brother and two sisters. Her favourite subjects in school are Math, English, Reading and Writing. When Angel grows up she wants to be a nurse.

wishes to become a pilot so he can help people travel to another country, and Sarah wishes to be a teacher.

Brivett wishes to be a vet so he can help animals. Brian

My name is I Sarah. When

grow up, I want to be a teacher.

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.

My name is I Brivett. When

grow up, I want to be a vet.

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GIVING BACK

GIVING BACK

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 self-conscious 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 holidays at secondary school Herbert organised community work projects for his fellow students to give back to their community. Some of Herberts projects have included building a house for an old man, cleaning up the garbage in the slums, and

Douglas practicing with the auto mechanics afterschool club

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.
Francoise and her grandmother

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 brother-in-law with a flat tyre. 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, 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 tyre!

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 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 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.

My dream...

...So they can help Africa tomorrow.

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

Jane and her award-winning cattle feeder

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ON HER MAJESTYS SERVICE

Diamond Jubilee Concert

So what do you get
when you put 12 Ugandan children, and eight Kenyan children, from six different African Childrens Choir choirs together for a week? A whole lot of laughter, soccer games, amazing dance moves, complicated drum patterns and beautiful music! In March this year Music for Life were approached by a production company working with Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber to commission a song for the Diamond Jubilee concert on 4 June 2012. Twenty members of the African Childrens Choir gathered in Kenya for a week of rehearsals. The children spent several days together learning and rehearsing a special song written by Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The song was entitled Sing, and was written specifically for the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebration. The children headed out to the Ngong Hills (west of Nairobi) for a full day of recording. They were heavily featured in the BBC documentary On Her Majestys Service. The programme featuring Gary Barlow on his travels in the Commonwealth, as he recruited people to help him record this special song for the Queen. The children were interviewed and performed two of their own African songs as a part of this documentary. Gary was impressed with one of our Choir members Lydia, and the decision was made that her voice would open and close the Jubilee song. So you can imagine our delight when the BBC contacted Music for Life again, but this time to ask if the children who sang the Sing song could come to London and perform outside Buckingham Palace live for the Queen! With much assistance from the BBC this small group found themselves centre stage at the Diamond Jubilee Concert with thousands of spectators on The Mall and millions viewing via their television. You could have heard a pin drop when Lydia sang the opening line of Garys song and with the assistance of the Commonwealth band and Military Wives they brought the house down. I was a bit nervous, Lydia admits. But the main emotion was excitement. I have never sung in front of so many people before. And, of course to stand, in front of the Queen was so special. Afterwards I got to meet her and she was very gentle and kind. Considering that the children in the African Childrens Choir come from the poorest and most marginalised communities in Africa, the opportunity to travel to Buckingham Palace and perform for Her Majesty is like a fairy tale come true for these children, said Sally France, Director of Africa Operations in Uganda. We are genuinely honoured that our children were selected to sing and participate in this incredible opportunity.

I have never sung in front of so many people before. And, of course to stand, in front of the Queen was so special.

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K LLY LIAFRICA? REA IN

IT WHATS

EAR VING & L E LI

NING

IT TAKES

Could I really study overseas?

A WHOLE VILLAGE.

Is international development for me?

I think Africas where I should be.

YOU WONT KNOW UNLESS YOU

E GET YOUR FEET W

T.

Relief &
Get your feet wet.

Development

COURSE

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

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!

CHOIR

Travel to Africa
africanchildrenschoir.com/volunteer 028 9266 6611

volunteer@africanchildrenschoir.com

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/help 028 9266 6611 volunteer@africanchildrenschoir.com

Course Schedule
NAIROBI, KENYA
4 weeks June/July 2013
*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!

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13

I would like to become a Friend of the Choir

Name: Address: Email: Postcode: Phone:

Instruction to your bank or building society to pay by Direct Debit

Please fill in the whole form including official use box using a ball point pen and send it to:

support the work of the Choir

Name: ________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ __________________________________ Post Code:____________

Music for Life, P O Box 412, Lisburn BT28 9EB

Please add my email address to the African Childrens Choir newsletter Between Friends mailing list, ensuring my information wil only be used by your organisation. Please accept my monthly gift of: 15 20 30 Other ___________

FOR MUSIC FOR LIFE ACADEMY OFFICIAL USE ONLY This is not part of the instruction to your bank or building society

Phone: _________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________

Name(s) of account holder(s)

Bank/building society account number

Corresponding via email lowers administration costs.We will not share or sell your email address.

Name and full postal address of your bank or building society

To: The Manager Address Bank/building society

Branch sort code

I would like to Donate today! Please accept my special gift to support:

Child School Fees

Instruction to your bank or building society Please pay MUSIC FOR LIFE ACADEMY Direct Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with MUSIC FOR LIFE ACADEMY and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.
Signature(s)

Music for Life Centres across Africa

TEAR and MAIL TEAR and MAIL

African Childrens Choir Primary School Other (please specify): ___________________________________

Post code

Reference

Banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of account.

My cheque payable to Music for Life is enclosed. Debit my credit card: Card Holder: ____________________________________________ Card Number: ________ / ________ / ________ / ________
Date

The Direct Debit Guarantee

This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits. If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit MUSIC FOR LIFE ACADEMY will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request MUSIC FOR LIFE ACADEMY to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by MUSIC FOR LIFE ACADEMY or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when MUSIC FOR LIFE ACADEMY asks you to. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.
This guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer.

Expiry Date: _______ / _______ Start Date: _______ / _______ Signature: ______________________________________________

Gift Aid Declaration

I wish Music for Life to treat the enclosed donation of ____________ as a Gift Aid Donation all donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise as Gift Aid Donations
delete as appropriate

Notes 1. You must pay an amount of tax (either Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax) equal to the amount of tax reclaimed by Music for Life on your donation. Music for Life will reclaim 25p of tax on every 1 you give on or after 6 April 2008 2. If you pay tax at the higher rate you can claim further tax relief on your donations in your Self Assessment tax return. 3. If this declaration covers donations you may make in the future you: a) may cancel it any time b) must notify Music for Life of any change of address c) must notify Music for Life if you cease to be a taxpayer, or cease to pay enough tax to cover the amount reclaimed by Music for Life

Mail to:

Music for Life P O Box 412 Lisburn BT28 9EB For more information: t: 028 9266 6611 f: Fax 028 9266 6601

Signed _________________________________ Date _________________

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

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TEAR and MAIL

Service user number

YES I want to

Charity Registration Number 1090556 Company Registration Number 4202335

MAG-2012

africanchildrenschoir.com /

15

CDs

Africas Heartbeat

TEAR and MAIL

A programme of song and dance was created that truly expresses the cultures of the African Childrens Choirs from their different parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Leading Belgian composer and conductor Dirk Brosse wrote and arranged the orchestral music.

TAKE the Choir home with YOU!

AFRICANCHILDRENSCHOIR MERCHANDISE

Music CDs & DVDs

TITLE Africas Heartbeat 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 12 12 12 12 12 12 15 15 10 10
Or Call to Order: 028 9266 6611

Gospel With Friends

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 L
XL

Ages 7-11
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: ___________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ _____________________________________ Post 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

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

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

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 colour, 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:

Admin office, Music for Life, PO Box 412, Lisburn BT28 9EB

Or contact us at

t: 028 9266 6611 f: 028 9266 6601 e: INFO@africanchildrenschoir.com