Kapiti and Lower Hutt kids sing for kids in poverty

Seventeen Lower Hutt schools and twelve Kapiti schools are getting ready to perform at World Vision’s much-loved Kids for Kids concerts to the theme of ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’.

Next week, 1250 children will take to the stage, over four nights, in a bid to help children living in some of the poorest parts of our world.

The Kids for Kids musical extravaganzas promise to provide fantastic entertainment for the whole family. Kapiti and Lower Hutt’s enthusiastic students have spent hours practicing and are sure to put on must-see performances.

For almost 16 years, the concerts have informed people of the plight of children in developing countries and have encouraged attendees to make a difference, through World Vision’s Child Sponsorship programme.

Concert manager, Jayden Keoghan, says that 250,000 New Zealand children have participated in the concerts over the years, bringing long-lasting hope to over 5,000 children living in poverty. 

In addition, “this year alone, 484 children have been sponsored through Kids for Kids,” says Mr Keoghan.

“The concerts are a lot of fun, kids here get a huge amount of enjoyment from them, it’s a wonderful experience for them.”

At each concert, school choirs get the chance to perform alongside singer, and OBE-recipient, Suzanne Prentice who after over 500 performances is still committed to the cause.

“It’s really nice to be part of something that gives back to children” says Ms Prentice.

Child sponsorship through World Vision costs $40 a month and assists with community development through education, healthcare or agriculture projects, making a real difference to the child, their families and the wider community.

The concerts next week are suitable for all ages and all members of the public are welcome.

Tickets can be purchased for the Kapiti concerts through Coastlands Shoppingtown, Paraparaumu at the customer service desk on (04) 902 9885. Tickets for the Lower Hutt concerts can be bought on the door from 6.30pm. Tickets costs $10 for children/students and $16 for adults.