Background
Children are usually the first victims of poverty, political
strife and religious conflict. In Indonesia thousands and
thousands of children have survived abuse; sometimes they
even struggle to survive on the streets. They are children
of families affected by corruption, unemployment, substance
abuse, political or religious unrest, and separatist movements
– families which either can not or will not support
their children in a meaningful lifestyle.
The idea
In response to the fate of these children Mrs. Aida Swenson
(Director of the Indonesian Children’s Choir) and Mr.
Geert van Asbeck (Chairman of the Homeless World Foundation)
launched an idea – or rather a dream: To bring children
together through music and dance in an expression of solidarity
for prosperity, peace and unity. They baptized their dream
the ‘Children of the World Choir’. This choir
brings together 1.000 children from many different nationalities,
religions and social economic backgrounds in Indonesia.
The support
But the ‘Children of the World Choir’ could only
take shape after Mrs. Miranda Goeltom, Deputy Governor of
the Bank of Indonesia, committed herself fully to the project
and became its president in December 2001. Lots of people
continue to support the project since, like: Mr. E.C.W. Neloe
(President and CEO Bank Mandiri), Mrs. Eva Riyanti Hutapea
(President Director of Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk), Mrs. Pia
Alisjahbana, (President and Director of Femina Group), Mr.
Chadd McLisky (President Director of Indo Pacific Reputation
Management Consultants) and Mr. Spike Braunius (President
Director of Sara Lee Indonesia).
Dream comes true
From a simple dream, the formation of a thousand voice children’s
choir is now well on the way to becoming a reality. The choir
can be seen and heard at the Jakarta Convention Center on
the 10th October 2002. And plans are developed to produce
a VCD of this special event. The proceeds of the sale of this
VCD will be used to help poor and victimized children from
all parts of Indonesia to participate in the next Children
of the World Choir-concert in Jakarta.
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