It's an exciting opportunity for a group of students from Zambia, Africa. The African Children's Choir is in the midst of a cross-Canada tour, having already made stops in Roblin and Altona this past week. The choir is made up of students from Grace Academy, the only boarding school/orphanage in the world today that caters specifically to children affected or impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Sixteen year old Cholwe says the view of the mountains as been one of her favourite parts of the trip, as well as the welcoming people she's met along the way. "Everyone has been welcoming. I didn't expect this."
Nineteen year old Arnold says a highlight for him as been catching up with some of the Canadians that have visited Grace Academy in the past, some from as far back as ten years.

Grace Academy is run by an organization called Seeds of Hope, based out of British Columbia. Arnold says being a part of Seeds of Hope means everything to him, adding it's given him a family. "I don't know much about my biological family, but when I'm at Seeds of Hope that is family."

As for Cholwe, she says the involvement has helped her to have stronger relationships with people. "When I was young it was very hard for me to get along with a lot of people because I like being alone." She adds her Christian life has also improved since connecting with Seeds of Hope and Grace Academy. "Hearing stories from my friends and knowing who I am, I feel like those stories help me each and every day." Cholwe also credits daily devotionals for helping her grow.

When asked what her dreams are for the future, Cholwe said she plans to study medicine.

We posed the same question to Arnold. While he has a lot of plans for his future, Arnold says the most interesting one is to travel the world.

About four-hundred people attended the African Children's Choir performance in Altona Tuesday evening.

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