Children sing despite tragic start to lives
BY MAIKE VAN DER HEIDE
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Michael Lubangakene is nine years old. Since his father was brutally murdered, he has lived on the streets of Uganda and knows what it is like to search desperately for food.
The son of a wealthy man, Michael's life changed dramatically when his father was ambushed and murdered while riding his motorbike on his way to buy a car. His mother was spared, but without her husband to support her and her three children, money and food became scarce.
For a while, Michael lived off food delivered regularly in sacks by a family friend. But when that friend died, Michael's days became long, sometimes unsuccessful, searches for food.
Sometimes he lived at home, sometimes on the streets, sometimes in centres for street children.
It is certain Michael's family never expected their youngest son would end up singing and dancing on stages throughout Australia and New Zealand, eating three meals a day and getting school lessons, where his favourite subjects are maths and English.
Michael has sat on Australia's best beaches, seen a whale in Kaikoura and tried bowling in Brisbane. He wants to be a pastor when he grows up.
Because thanks to the recommendations of a pastor, Michael is now a member of the world-famous Watoto Children's Choir and lives in Watoto Children's Village.
Brian Abano, who leads the choir with his wife, Violet, said each child, aged between 8 and 12, had experienced too much in their short years.
One choir member's father murdered her mother by decapitation. Others were abandoned through poverty or lost one or both parents to Aids or war.
The choir is in the last month of a six-month tour, including 30 concerts in the South Island, on behalf of Tear Fund New Zealand.
Last night they performed in Blenheim's Elim Centre. The children's huge smiles, colourful costumes and exuberant singing to African beats brought with it a serious message – that two million other children in Uganda and 17 million in Africa were in situations just like them.
"It's their opportunity to speak on behalf of kids who cannot speak," Mr Abano said.
While the children were "ambassadors" for Africa's children and future leaders, Mr Abano said the children were also encouraged to have fun during the trip, through activities such as Whale Watch and Australia Zoo.
"It's not a burden or a responsibility, it's a privilege."
Today the choir travels to Nelson, where they will perform until Tuesday.
- The Marlborough Express
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