African Children's Choir – Using the Power of Music to Change Lives

The African Children’s Choir is made up of children from the continent of Africa who are 7 to 10 years old.  They have incredible voices and spirit that amaze audiences everywhere they go!  

And they go lots of places.  All around the world.  And not only do they travel a lot, but they perform for heads of state and with superstar singers and celebrities.  But this is not what makes the choir so special.

Similar to Staten Island, New York’s PS22 choir, they do not just sing, but truly put their hearts, souls and bodies into their words.

But what is most unique about the choir is that it offers hope, education and confidence to children who live in extreme poverty. For example:

• The kids in the choir are mostly from the poorest countries in the entire world, such as Uganda.
• Many children live in one room homes and walk more than 2 miles to get water for their family.
• Most of the children have lost one or both parents because of war or disease.

Through its music and education, the African Children’s choir changes the lives of its children. It allows them to see the world. It gives them hope and confidence.  It shows them that everything is possible.

The choir even pays for their education through college!   In 30 years, it has educated and changed the lives of over 50,000 children.

And, in turn, the children return to the home towns with new mindset and new skills to help improve their family and community.  These children are truly helping to build a better Africa.

Check out their story below in these inspiring videos:

This video shows the living conditions of the children in the choir:

Additional Resources:

• Read more about the choir on Wikipedia and at the website
• Check out a movie that was made about the choir, Insa Means Sing.
• Check out other InspireMyKids stories and videos about inspiring musicians
• Read more about the choir’s inspiring leader, Ray Barnett

Topics for Discussion:

• How does the African Children’s Choir change lives?
• What passion or skill do you have that you could use to help or lift others?
• Think of people who in your community who help others. What talents and skills do they use?
• What if every kid used their special talents to make the world a better place?  How would things be different?

Take Action:

• Think about your own special talents and what you love to do. Whether you love music or animals or sports or nature or writing, there is some way to use your talents to make the world a better place.  Come up with 3 ideas and then talk to your parents, teachers and friends to help make one of them happen!

Teacher Features:

• Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for elementary school students.
• Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for middle school students.

Parents Corner:

• Here is a wonderful article about helping your kids develop their talents