Africa on my mind

from w
After reading 'The Canal House' at the weekend, attending a small prayer group focussing on Christian teachers/translaters/pastors who work with African communities, watching part of a DVD of 'The Last King of Scotland' until I turned away in horror, and then going to the Watoto concert last night, I have been inundated wtih images of Africa, particularly of Uganda. The theme of fundraising for non-government organisations was predominant in my thinking. The concert was amazing with all the bright faced, confident children, jumping, dancing, performing joyful and sad songs with energy and grace and speaking into the microphone telling their names and stories.

There were about 1400 people at the Barrabool Hills Baptist church last night and we got a very loud projection (two of them) giving data and stories with the wrap up of asking for donations and to buy CDs, DVDs, etc. A3 glossy brochures were handed out too. Apparently there are several Watoto choirs performing around the world which is amazing because most of the children are young - I wonder when they do their school work. The Watoto village is a wonderful setup with orphans adopted into families of about ten and these children have a great opportunity to turn around their lives from poverty or being kidnapped as child soldiers.

Then I thought of the Bushikori project, also in Uganda, a small caring community which developed from Pastor Sam's wish for something better. A few years ago several people in the Geelong community felt compelled to support Sam in this project and it has developed slowly and very well. Sam died in an accident and his widow Ann continued the work. They do not have glossy brochures, appealing children's choirs but they do an admirable job. A description of the work being carried out at Bushikori is on this blogger's site.