Ugandan orphans to travel on TSS Earnslaw

Media Release Monday 1 October 2007

For immediate use

Ugandan orphans to travel on TSS Earnslaw

A group of orphan children from Uganda will experience the excitement of steam travel on the TSS Earnslaw this month.

The 18 children are from the Watoto Children’s Choir in Uganda. Along with 11 adult leaders, the children are travelling around New Zealand raising awareness of the plight of parentless children in Africa – and funds to help assist those children.

All the children in the choir have been orphaned. This is a sad reality in a nation where 2 million children, out of a total population of 25 million, have lost parents through AIDS, civil war, and ethnic conflict.

The Watoto ministry (www.watoto.com) takes these children off the street and places them into new homes and families.

Real Journeys has provided the choir with a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to give them an experience they would otherwise probably never have.

TEAR Fund’s Southland/Otago Regional Manager Jane Laurie, who has organized the itinerary for the choir during their southern visit, said she was excited that the children would get a chance to ride on the TSS Earnslaw. “I know the choir will only be too happy to sing a couple of songs on board for the other travelers and staff.”

The choir will also give a free concert in Alexandra on the 10th October at 7pm.

ENDS

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