African Children’s Choir visits Northeast Elementary

Published 3:31 pm Friday, February 20, 2026

Students at Northeast Elementary School ended the school week with a visit from special guests as the African Children’s Choir performed for PreK through fourth-grade students.

A Northeast Elementary student watches as a member of the African Children’s Choir demonstrates the steps to an African dance. Members of the choir taught several student volunteers who then had a chance to perform for their peers. Photo by Thomas Howard

The Choir, made up of children ages 7-12, was first formed in 1984 as a way to bring awareness to conditions faced by Ugandan children following the country’s civil war. Since then, it has grown to include children from Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana, and has gained international recognition for its work.

The visit to Northeast Elementary was made possible by the Alfred and Lucile Rosenbaum Grant from the Community Foundation of East Mississippi to the Lauderdale County School District Foundation. Marie Roberts, executive director of the LCSD foundation, said seeing the choir perform is a unique experience for local students.

“This project ensures that all students have access to high-quality cultural music and arts experiences,” she said. “Music, culture and community connects learning to the arts in a meaningful way while celebrating heritage, fostering curiosity and strengthening community ties.”

Community Foundation of East Mississippi Executive Director Christin Waters said her organization is glad for the opportunity to help Northeast students experience the choir and the cultural and artistic education it brings.

“The Community Foundation of East Mississippi is proud to support programs that expand opportunity through education, culture and the arts,” she said. “This project brings global culture into the classroom while strengthening connections to local heritage and community.”