By Stuart McFarlane

A CONCERT held earlier this week at Helensburgh Parish Church involving a Ugandan children’s choir has raised £3,000 to fund the children’s education back in their home country.

The performance by members of the African Children’s Choir known as Choir 46 was enjoyed by around 300 people and follows on the back of a concert given by Choir 38 at the same venue in 2012.

Choir 46 comprises eighteen children aged seven to ten from Uganda, with many having lost parents or loved ones through the impact of war, famine and disease.

The choir is seven months into a ten-month global tour, which will see them travel around the rest of the UK.

Kyle Serquinia, 31, from the African Children’s Choir, told the Advertiser: “We have really enjoyed our time here in Scotland so far and in Helensburgh. It’s so great when crowds really get into and enjoy the performances.

“People were so generous with their donations and in clapping along with the performance.”

The choir stayed with local host families while in the town for the performance, enjoying customs such as trying on kilts and tasting some Scottish food and drink.

Mr Serquinia continued: “We’ve enjoyed our time in Helensburgh and really loved being with our host families from the church who took us in for our time here. We had a really great time being with them and also the weather held up quite well, so we’re happy about that.”

While staying in Helensburgh for the performance, the choir and their chaperones took time to talk to local children about their experiences back home and their hopes for the future.

Elizabeth Lambert, from Helensburgh Parish Council, said: “The meeting with the children had a big impact on our Sunday school.

“These children who have so little can be so happy and also so determined to study and to have such big ambitions for when they grow up is inspiring.”

Mr Serquinia said: “The concerts are all about trying to show the potential and beauty of Africa and how children can help to change the continent.”