FREEHOLD — The internationally acclaimed African Children’s Choir will perform a free community concert in Freehold Borough on Sept. 20. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 118 W. Main St.
For 25 years the African Children’s Choir has shown the world that Africa’s children have unlimited potential, they just need a little assistance, according to a press release.
The African Children’s Choir has entertained millions of people at community concerts and special events around the world. Their purpose is to raise awareness of the plight of Africa’s most vulnerable individuals and also to show the beauty, dignity and potential of each African child.
Performances on “American Idol,” “Good Morning America” and “Ellen” have taken their stories of hope to billions. Other notable performances include Nashville4Africa, Live 8 in London, Nelson Mandela’s 46664 concert, and special concerts for President George W. Bush, Kofi Annan, and members of the United Nations.
According to the press release, as ambassadors, the children in the choir represent millions of children living on a continent in turmoil.
“The children in the choir represent millions of children in Africa,” said choir founder Ray Barnett. “They are bright, articulate and motivated. We believe they can make a difference.”
All of the choir children have come from extreme poverty; many have lost at least one parent. Yet in spite of their circumstances the children radiate hope. They know that because of the African Children’s Choir their lives will change. The choir is committed to helping these children physically, spiritually, emotionally and academically, giving each child an opportunity to reach his or her potential.
Barnett said, “The needs among African children are so great because of war and the AIDS pandemic sweeping across the continent, yet these children are so full of joy. They truly are hope to the nations.”
Concerts are a high-energy mixture of traditional African songs and dances, wellknown gospel favorites and much-loved children’s songs. Colorful African costumes, beautiful voices and infectious smiles charm audiences and bridge cultural gaps across nations.
Admission to the Sept. 20 concert is free. A free-will offering is collected at each concert to support education, care and emergency relief for more than 7,000 children in Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana and southern Sudan.
Each year, new choirs are formed and touring children return to their homelands to finish their education. The children will receive a quality education, leadership training and spiritual ministry that builds on the unique international exposure received while abroad, and the children will be supported until they have completed post-secondary school. Former choir members are now doctors, teachers, journalists, engineers and more, according to the press release.
For more information about the African Children’s Choir, visit www.africanchildrenschoir. com, or call toll-free, 1-877-532- 8651.