African children's choir comes to Ilkley

The 22 children come from Utange, an extremely poor region of Kenya, where life is very challenging. But these children have been drawn into education by the charity Educate the Kids, who have set up a school and related orphanage called Jolaurabi, named after three Ilkley children, the charity’s founder’s grandchildren.

It provides education to around 700 children who would otherwise not be in school and many of the children are sponsored by local families.

The choir will be visiting most of the local schools and parents can meet them too and hear their astounding voices and fantastic dance moves at one of the following venues: Friday, September 16, 7pm at Ilkley Grammar School. Tickets at the door £3; Saturday, September 17, 10-4pm Trinity Centre Leeds; Sunday, September 18, 6.30 pm an evening of life stories and music The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Menston; Monday, September 19, 7pm Bolton Abbey Priory, free concert donations appreciated and Wednesday, September 22, 7pm at All Saints Church Ilkley. Free concert, donations appreciated.

Heather Munro, a volunteer with the charity said: "The charity has inspired and enabled many people to give of themselves on a voluntary basis, as the ethos of the charity is that there are no paid officers and administration costs are recovered from claiming gift aid on donations, meaning that every penny donated goes to where it is needed.

"A new web site is being developed this year and should be in place for the summer, again this is be accomplished by the generosity of a donor. Many families have been inspired to choose Kenya as a holiday destination, to visit the school and children that they personally sponsor. Once there, they immediately immerse themselves in the project, with many campaigning tirelessly to raise awareness as well as funds for the charity. The charity is also on the look out for donated office space locally and would appreciate any offers by local businesses."