Warmest welcome for Watoto children

The Watoto Children's Choir has earned rapturous applause from audiences all over the world, but no welcome could have been warmer than that extended to the Ugandan youngsters and their entourage in Kaitaia.

Shelley Sullivan, a founding member of Kaitaia's Sisterhood Trust, which earlier this year completed the building of a 'Kaitaia House' in a Watoto village in Gulu, northern Uganda, for orphan children and widows, said the choir and its supporters were overwhelmed with the kindness and support they encountered in the Far North.

An afternoon performance attracted close to 700 children from Kaitaia Abundant Life School, Pamapuria, Pukepoto, Kaitaia Primary, Awanui and Pompallier, some Switzer Home residents also squeezing in. The Pamapuria kapa haka party provided a stirring powhiri before the very interactive show began, some of the audience being challenged to get up on the stage and dance 'African style' while everyone else voted on their efforts.

"There was singing, dancing and some very moving stories," Shelley said. "The schools were thrilled with the performance."

The evening performance was popular too. The 500 seats were soon taken, with around 100 children on the floor and at least as many standing at the rear of the Hall.

Shelley Sullivan welcomed everyone, and began by explaining the connection between the Far North and Watoto.

As reported in The Northland Age the Sisterhood Trust had completed its mission of building a house in a Watoto Village, and it was thrilling that some of the choir members were from that village.

The majority of the choristers, she added, were either orphans or abandoned, victims of disease, war and poverty.

"Some of the songs were absolutely beautiful, and the dancing colourful and joyful," she added.

"Many commented on their beautiful smiles."

Kaitaia was "super generous" with more than applause. The audience donated a total of $3300, while $3000 worth of merchandise was sold and offers were made to sponsor nine children via the Tear Fund (which sponsored the tour). The team was very well looked after by Peter Dorrington and the team at the Orana Motor Inn Kaitaia, Shelley saying she wished to acknowledge their generosity.

"In five years they had never stayed together in a motel, and they were so excited to have electric blankets," she said.

Pak 'n Save Kaitaia kindly supplied a food package, which included their evening meal and a wonderful lunch (Desley Austen whipped up an "amazing" meal and some "beautiful Virtue ladies" the cut lunch).

And one of the most memorable details was seeing traditional African wares set up on tables in the Te Ahu atrium, "African animal prints beside our amazing carvings."

"We had a fabulous team from Virtue Christian Centre who worked tirelessly and selflessly," Shelley added. "If you missed out on seeing the choir you can go on-line and purchase merchandise (at www.watoto.com), and if you would like to know more about sponsoring a child check out www.tearfund.org.nz."