The African Children’s Choir is bringing its vibrant message of music and hope to Winkler and Altona this weekend with a special concert at Winkler Mennonite Church on Friday, April 25 and at Altona EMMC on Sunday, April 27. The performance is free to attend, with an opportunity for audience members to support the organization through a love offering.
From Uganda to the Pembina Valley
Currently on a six-month tour across Canada, the African Children’s Choir is made up of children from Uganda who perform to raise awareness and funds for their education and that of others in need back home. The choir is a program of Music for Life, a non-profit organization that helps vulnerable children through music, education, and personal development, which has been in operation for more than 40 years.
The mission: To bring hope to Africa’s most vulnerable children today, so they can shape a better tomorrow.
The choir’s tour leader, "Uncle Jim", and director, "Auntie Esther", both former choir members themselves, joined Country 88 morning show host, Ty Hildebrand, to share their stories and mission. Jim recalled how travelling to Canada as a child “opened his eyes” to the possibilities of a brighter future—an experience that inspired him to earn a degree in social sciences and give back to the community that once supported him. Esther, who toured in 2006-07 as an eight-year-old, shared how her time in Canada led her to pursue a degree in accounting.
“Our music is a way to communicate,” said Esther. “We drum, sing, dance—it’s how we share our culture and joy with the world.”
Support in the Pembina Valley
The children stay with local host families in each city they visit, and they’ve been warmly welcomed into homes and churches throughout the country. Their tour began in Surrey, BC, and will conclude in Ontario in late May.
When asked about cultural differences, Jim laughed about the kids’ reactions to Canadian food, particularly sliced cheese, and the novelty of house pets. But more than that, he emphasized the goal of the tour: to bring hope to Africa’s most vulnerable children today, so they can shape a better tomorrow.
The concerts promise powerful vocals, lively performances, and touching testimonies. Both Jim and Esther named their favourite songs—“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” and “Amazing Grace,” respectively—highlighting the emotional depth of the show.
Come experience the uplifting energy and inspiring stories of these talented young performers—and help support a mission that’s changing lives, one child at a time.
Event Details:
Friday, April 25 @ 7:00 pm - Winkler Mennonite Church (31 Willowdale Crescent, Winkler, MB)
Sunday, April 27 @ 10:30 am - Altona Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church (158 2nd Street NE, Altona, MB)
Learn more at africanchildrenschoir.com.