The African Children’s Choir will be featured on American Idol's two-day special “Idol Gives Back” scheduled to air April 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. The children's choir comprised of orphan African children is sponsored by a Christian relief and developmental humanitarian organization. Founded in 1984 , the choir travels around the world to raise money to help impoverished nations in Africa. “While we were in Uganda we gave a ride to another town to a very small boy and he sang all the way in the vehicle,” said founder Ray Barnett. “When I got back to Canada and people were not very interested in Uganda, I remembered this small boy. I thought, 'If we could take a group of these beautiful children to the West, it would surely raise money to help their country'.” Since its inception the choir has raised money from their ticketed concerts to educate children in Africa including themselves. Choir members travel with the choir for one year and then they are sent home where they are given education and scholarships for education beyond high school. Some of the members have gone on to receive education as doctors, lawyers and engineers. The choir also gives funds for emergency relief efforts to help feed, clothe and shelter Africa's neediest families. The American Idol “Idol Gives Back” show featuring a myriad of well-known musicians will raise money for both African an American charities.
