Mwangaza African Children's Choir

The Mwangaza African Children’s Choir is coming all the way from Ggaba, Uganda to Downers Grove to perform a concert.
 
This fantastic choir will put on their concert at the First United Methodist Church at 1032 Maple Ave. in Downers Grove. The concert starts at 7 pm on Wednesday, May 25th. No admission fee is required, but a love offering will be taken during the concert.
 
The Mwangaza Children’s Choir is composed of extremely talented children aged 8-12. Along with the choir, 7 chaperones accompany the group. Host families from the Downers Grove UMC will be opening their homes for the choir during their stay.
 
Uganda is located in East Africa. A high percentage of children from this country are raised as orphans. Some of the choir members are orphans themselves, and others understand how poverty has affected the world that they live in. The children’s past has been different then ours, but they thrive to spread the joy and hope that they have in their lives with those that they meet on this tour.
 
The African Renewal Ministry is based out of Uganda and gives people in America the opportunity to be able support our brothers and sisters in Uganda in both physical and spiritual ways.
 
The name, Mwangaza, is a Swahili word that means “shining light.” These children have definitely had the chance to shine their light across the United States. Starting in January the choir has traveled across the states and visited Alabama, Illinois, Ohio, Texas and North Carolina. Along the way they have performed for churches, schools and conferences.
 
While in Downers Grove, the choir will sing a concert filled with a mix of English and traditional Ugandan music. Many of the songs and dances performed are original work. The traditional Ugandan outfits are also always worn during the concerts.
 
 In addition to the wonderful concert and stories that the children tell about their life, it shows us that we are not that different from them these children. Smiling faces and all, these children have a message that they are spreading with the world. This concert is a rare and wonderful opportunity to see a glimpse into a world that is different than ours. The Mwangaza African Children’s Choir is helping to bridge cultural and language barriers that needlessly may separate us from others.