The Singing Children of Africa ‘I Smile’ Tour, masterminded by local Bridgwater resident, 19 year old Jake Pike and his father is an initiative designed to raise funds for ‘Educate the Kids’ a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged children in Africa the opportunity to fulfil their dream through the gift of education
The Singing Children of Africa Tour, which kicks off on Tuesday October 4 at St Mary’s Church Berrow at 13.30, is made up of 28 children from the Mombasa region of East Africa where the charity was originally founded in 1998. The children will sing and dance to audiences across Somerset from the October 4 to October 22. Venues include local schools, churches as well as the Mall at Cribbs Causeway on Saturday 15th October. The Tour culminates in a grand finale at the Mcmillan Theatre in Bridgwater on October 22.
This is the fifth time the Tour has visited the UK. The original 12 week tour in 2006 touched the hearts of the British public who fell in love with the children’s amazing singing and dance moves to such an extent, that enough money was raised to fund the building of an orphanage.
Jake Pike, who lives in Bridgwater and is employed at local nursery accessory business Hippychick Ltd, was first introduced to the kids on the singing tour of 2006, aged nine. Meeting them inspired Jake to persuade his family to choose Kenya as their next holiday destination. Once there, Jake immediately caught up with the children he met in the UK, and his relationship with the Educate the Kids Charity was cast. Since then he and his family have been totally committed to the charity, campaigning tirelessly to raise awareness as well as funds and regularly making trips to Kenya to provide on the ground support.
As well as organising a tour which incorporates ten venues across the County, Jake has also managed to persuade his boss, Hippychick Founder Julia Minchin, to appoint Educate the Kids its charity of the year. Since its inception in 1999, Hippychick has always been committed to supporting causes involving children and has raised an estimated £60,000 for charity over the past 17 years. The Company is both delighted and proud to be involved.
Commenting, Jake said: ‘It’s been a challenge to create a balance where we can really make a difference in terms of fund raising whilst enabling the children to benefit from the educational, cultural and musical experience of being in the UK as well as have fun!
Check out the timetable of venues scheduled for the Singing Children of Africa Tour here
Wondering what events are happening in Somerset every weekend? Take a peek at 5 things to do in Somerset this weekend.
