Councils welcome Singing Children of Africa

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Maureen McIntyre established the charity after first visiting Kenya in 1988 and named it after the first child she and her husband Ian sponsored.

At that time, the local children had no access to education but funds raised by the choir's performances have so far helped to build and run a primary school and an orphanage in Utange.

During their 17 day tour the children will perform public concerts at Eastwood Park Theatre and the Elim Church in Paisley as well as at several schools and churches throughout Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.

As part of their visit, the children will also be going swimming, cycling, visiting local parks and the Bowlplex and Snozone at Xscape. For most of them, this will be the first time they will have ever seen snow.

Both councils agreed to work in partnership to host the choir's visit to the area after forming strong links in recent years. A number of local people sponsor members of the choir through the Samson Chivatsi African Children's Appeal and will get the chance to meet up with the children.

The provosts of both Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire Council will welcome the choir at a special party being thrown by the Watermill Hotel in Paisley (Friday 23 May).

Renfrewshire's Provost Celia Lawson said: "I am delighted to be welcoming back the Singing Children of Africa. It was a privilege to meet those who came last October and to hear them sing. These children rarely leave their own village and some have never even been in a car before so this really is the experience of a lifetime for them."

"I am very pleased to have been able to work in partnership with East Renfrewshire to make sure that this visit is even more memorable for both them as visitors and us as the hosts."

East Renfrewshire's Provost Alex Mackie said: "It is great to welcome the children back again in tandem with Renfrewshire Council. I hope that as many people as possible will come along to listen to fine singing while, at the same time, helping a very good cause."

For more information on performances or fundraising, contact Drew Gibson at Renfrewshire Council on 0141 840 3363 or Margaret Pettigrew at East Renfrewshire Council on 0141 577 3107.

Press release: Monday 19 May 2008