Watoto children's choir to perform at El Dorado Springs church

Africa has endured years of warfare of almost unimaginable cruelty that along with the AIDS virus has left more than 60 million orphans. In Uganda alone there are an estimated 1.8 million orphans. Among the organizations dedicated to helping this population is Watoto. Watoto means "the children."

To bring attention to this chronic problem Watoto Children's Choirs tour internationally spreading a message of hope for Africa's children. The children in the choir are Ugandan children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS or war.

Watoto will be in El Dorado Springs Thursday, June 19, at the Church of God (Holiness), 1607 S. Park to bring their message of hope through their music and dance, a fusion of contemporary gospel and traditional African rhythm.

"We are very happy to be able to bring Watoto here," Pastor Peter Chei said. "They have a message that needs to be heard. We hope that people will come and hear what these talented musicians have to say."

Watoto Children's Choirs were formed in 1994 as a means to share Watoto's vision and mission. Its purpose is to provide spiritual, physical, educational and emotional care for every child so that each one will become a responsible Christian and productive citizen of Uganda.

The group's Web site, www.watoto.com, founded by pastors Gary and Marilyn Skinner, says the mission of Watoto is about more than saving as many children as possible from tragic circumstances -- it also is about building a force for longlasting, meaningful change.