Finale song performed at the Coolum Civic Centre.

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Choir members at the interactive workshop.

Clive, Libby & Suze in traditional Ugandan costume at the public workshop in Coolum.

Host mum Di (left) and member of Coolum District Coast Care coordinated a tree planting afternoon.

Aunties Eva & Yvonne conducting their respective choirs while rehearsing the combined finale song.

African Children’s Choir visit - Sunshine Coast
26 August – 2 September 2013

Sunshine Coast audiences were treated to vibrant and colourful performances by the African Children’s Choir at a sellout workshop and concert in Coolum.

The 18 children, aged between nine and 12, spread their message of hope during their first visit to Australia to raise awareness of Africa’s destitute children and raise funds for educational programs.

“This tour offered a unique cultural exchange opportunity where participants sang, drummed and danced with the African Children’s Choir on a personal level,” Cool Harmonies choir director Yvonne Corstorphin said.

“Everyone who has seen these children perform can see what an incredible potential future they have; they might be kids from Uganda’s slums, but they have a world of opportunity ahead of them.” 

While here, the African children interacted with Coolum State School at a music workshop, mini concert for 1000 students at their Friday morning assembly, followed by a junior sports day. They also helped plant 100 baby trees with Coolum District Coast Care. 

About 350 people attended the concert on Saturday night which featured local support acts by Human Rhythms, Linsey Pollak and Cool Harmonies. A special Sunday morning concert at Noosa Christian Outreach Church attracted about 600 people.

“We have been amazed by people’s generosity. Money raised from the workshops and concerts will provide the opportunity for education and hope for more than 50,000 other children like them in some of Africa’s most desperate and needy areas,” Yvonne said. 

Cool Harmonies community choir hosted the children and their chaperones during their week-long stay on the coast, as part of a five-week tour of eastern Australia.

The tour was a ground-breaking community cultural development initiative of KwaYa Australia Inc.

Many of our choir members have already had an opportunity to work with the children at a grass roots level during their visits to Uganda over the last three years, exchanging skills through workshops such as dancing, singing, drumming and art, and performing alongside them for the poorest of villages to royalty.

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