The spirit and sound of Africa came to Blyth when a children’s choir made a return visit to Bede Academy during a national tour.
The Pearl of Africa choir brought its colour and energy to a concert for students, staff, families and friends after spending the day at the academy.
The choir, who come from Uganda and tour the UK to raise money for their children’s village and schools, performed for Years 7 and 8 and students at Bede South earlier in the day and shared their talents for crafts.
Vice Principal Andrew Middleton said: “Our students came out of the performances buzzing with excitement and saying how amazing the children were.
“As well as supporting the work of the charity in helping the choir to raise money, the relationship we have with them raises the cultural awareness of our students and gives them an insight into the lives of other children.”
The choir raises money for Pearl of Africa Child Care, a UK-based charity whose main activity is fund-raising for the six schools and homes run by the Molly and Paul Child Care Foundation, which provides education, food, shelter and healthcare to orphaned and destitute children in the Kampala and Masaka districts of Uganda.
Founder Molly Wasswa told the audience that the children selected for the choir excelled at singing, dancing and music.
“The money raised is used to pay teachers in our schools and to provide food for the children and mosquito nets,” she said.
After their performance, the children introduced themselves to the audience and revealed their future aspirations, which included going to university to study fashion and design and careers in teaching, banking and engineering.