For just over two hours on Sunday last, the children who live in orphanages and homes across the country took to the stage at the National Cultural Centre to celebrate Christmas, and what a celebration it was! The season for some meant a time to enjoy an excessive amount of goodwill, for others it was about hoping for a family as a holiday gift.
Though planned and largely executed by the Child Care Protection Agency it was the children’s concert, they doubled as MCs and performers and even wrapped up the show with a vote of thanks of their own. The audience, crammed in the lower flat of the NCC, were their peers for the most part, who found things to laugh about but were never unkind. In fact, they offered much support and clapped even when it was not necessary. At one point, a section broke out in argument over who was not clapping loud enough and who was “just sitting there doing nothing”.
The adults in house were few, regrettably because Christmas through the eyes of a child is such a special thing to be a part of, particularly with the boys and girls who often feel a sense of hopelessness but keep on smiling. There was never any doubt as to whether some of the acts on stage were original for the messages were so simple; leave it to children to be uncomplicated.
With Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand in front row, the children of Hope Children’s Home kicked off the concert with a group rendition of, “Jolly Old St Nicholas”. Prior to their entrance the MC, who looked no older than 13 years old, made the minister blush. “Minister Priya Manickchand, good afternoon! Isn’t she lovely kids? Isn’t she lovely?” he asked and the NCC erupted into loud cheers and a deafening chorus of “Yes!”
As the concert flowed they offered up a mix of Indian inspired dances and songs and took the audience on a journey of touching skits and powerful dramatic presentations.
The dances were breathtaking, particularly the soft movements executed in the pieces by the children from Save ‘R’ Kids. They offered up two dances and floated across the stage with rhythmic beauty.
Later in the show the children sang “Happy Birthday to Jesus” and performed a medley of popular Christmas songs. Memorable poems came from Shavickie Edinboro from the Drop-in Centre who performed, ‘A Child’s Cry’ and Alexis Leitch of the Bright Horizon with her piece, ‘Through the eyes of an Unwanted Child’.
By the time the programme neared its close those seated were feeling the Christmas spirit and almost out of their seats, ready to bounce on stage for the finale. Though a handful to control they gave the ushers on duty only a little extra work to do.
“Christmas is my time of year!” a little boy in a group seated to the rear of the NCC kept shouting as the curtains came down on the show. His peers tried to silence him initially then they too were up and sprinting to the stage.
