The Matsiko World Orphan Choir: A Story of Hope and Resilience

By Jude Mead

The Matsiko World Orphan Choir brought their message of hope, resilience and the transformative power of music to an energized performance at the Norfolk Library on Aug. 21. For most of them, it was their first time performing in a library and, according to one young singer, “it is wonderful.”

This group of talented children come from some of the most impoverished communities throughout the world and have become a symbol of overcoming adversity by demonstrating how music can make a difference. As the children perform the songs and dances of their native cultures to audiences across the globe, they showcase their stories of survival and triumph and share a message of compassion, perseverance and unity.

The choir was founded in 2005 by Don and Jennie Windham of Washington state and is made up of sponsored orphaned and at-risk children from Liberia, Peru, India and Nepal who participate for one year. Their performances help raise funds to sponsor the school costs of other vulnerable children.
The impact of the Matsiko World Orphan Choir goes well beyond their musical achievements, though.

The international exposure focuses attention on the challenges these children face and serves as a platform for the young performers to build confidence and to dream big despite their difficult circumstances. They can pursue an education and develop life skills that can help them contribute positively in their communities when they return home.

The choir’s founders and supporters are committed to expanding its reach and providing more possibilities for children who have lost so much. In the end, though, it is the young people themselves who deliver the most powerful message—that even when faced with the most challenging circumstances, children can find a way to rise above and achieve their dreams.