Meet the 2017 Light the Future Choir!

Maisha Project is proud to announce the members for the 2017 Light the Future Choir!

Light the Future Choir will travel over 8,000 miles to the United States to serve as ambassadors for Maisha. They represent their friends and family in Kano, Kenya. The children have the opportunity to share their stories and raise awareness about Maisha Project during their visit from early November through mid-December 2017.

You’ll have opportunities to see them perform at churches, schools, businesses and at A Night for Africa in several places around the US this year! Check the event calendar at https://www.maishaproject.org/index.php?events for details.

Eleven elite students not only excel in singing, but inside and outside the classroom as well. The children are committed to their craft and spend hours each week practicing so they can continue to grow.

We asked each of them a few questions so you have an opportunity to get to know them!

Here are a couple things you should know before you dive into this article…

The word “Class” means “Grade.”
“Green Grams” are basically green lentils in a soup form.
“Chips” are not American chips, they are what we call “French Fries.” (They call “Chips”, “Crisps.”)

“Omena” are little fish that can be eaten fried or in soups – basically like Sardines.
Chick-Fil-A is basically the go-to food answer not because all the kids have tried it, but rather because the ones that have, haven’t stopped talking about how GREAT it was.

Other than that, enjoy!


Justus Adeka Wanjira
Age: 12
Grade: 5

What is your favorite color?
“Blue.”
What are you looking forward to when you come to the U.S.?
“To see what Oklahoma looks like.”
What is your favorite Kenyan food? American food?
“Ugali (similar to sticky rice); Chick-fil-a.”
Why do you like being in the choir?
“Because that is my talent that I have and it is fun.”
Do you have anything you would like to say to people in the U.S.?
“I can’t wait to tell you what Kenyan’s look like.”


Faith Atieno Onyango
Age: 14
Grade: 6

What is your favorite color?
“Pink and Green.”
What are you looking forward to when you come to the U.S.?
“Jump on the trampoline and to see Kevin.”
What is your favorite Kenyan food? American food?
“Omena (small, fried fish); Chick-fil-a.”
Why do you like being in the choir?
“Because I love dancing and singing.”
Do you have anything you would like to say to people in the U.S.?
“Thank you for supporting Maisha.”


Donvin Otieno Owango
Age: 12
Grade: 6

What is your favorite color?
“Blue.”
What are you looking forward to when you come to the U.S.?
“To see the culture and eat the food.”
What is your favorite Kenyan food? American food?
“Ugali and chicken; pizza and mashed potatoes”
Why do you like being in the choir?
“Because it is my talent.”
Do you have anything you would like to say to people in the U.S.?
“I am the drummer and I love it and I can’t wait for you to see the choir.”


Diana Amondi Sammy
Age: 13
Grade: 7

What is your favorite color?
“Pink.”
What are you looking forward to when you come to the U.S.?
“I am excited to see friends and jump on the trampoline.”
What is your favorite Kenyan food? American food?
“Chapati (fried flat bread) and green grams (lentils); pancakes.”
Why do you like being in that choir?
“I like to sing and dance and praise the Lord.”
Do you have anything you would like to say to people in the U.S.?
“I love you and want you to know that God loves you also.”


Nick Odhiambo Obuon
Age: 12
Grade: 6

What is your favorite color?
“Yellow.”
What are you looking forward to when you come to the U.S.?
“Going on the airplane.”
What is your favorite Kenyan food? American food?
“Fish and chicken; pizza.”
Why do you like being in the choir?
“Because it will be good for my future.”
Do you have anything you would like to say to people in the U.S.?
“I am happy and so excited to see everyone.”


Emily Atieno Nyumba
Age: 13
Grade: 7

What is your favorite color?
“Red.”
What are you looking forward to when you come to the U.S.?
“To spend time with my sponsor.”
What is your favorite Kenyan food? American food?
“Ugali; Mashed Potatoes.”
Why do you like being in the choir?
“It is fun.”
Do you have anything you would like to say to people in the U.S.?
“I love everybody.”


Victoria “Rita” Aoko Aketch
Age: 14
Grade: 7

What is your favorite color?
“Sky Blue.”
What are you looking forward to when you come to the U.S.?
“I am excited to spend time with my sponsor.”
What is your favorite Kenyan food? American food?
“Chips (french fries); Chic-fil-a.”
Why do you like being in the choir?
“I like to sing and dance.”
Do you have anything you would like to say to people in the U.S.?
“To care for the orphans and remember God every day.”


Eugene Otieno Ochieng
Age: 10
Grade: 5

What is your favorite color?
“Yellow.”
What are you looking forward to when you come to the U.S.?
“To go ice skating.”
What is your favorite Kenyan food? American food?
“Chapati and green grams; Chick-fil-a.”
Why do you like being in the choir?
“It is my talent to dance and sing”
Do you have anything you would like to say to people in the U.S.?
*no words just smiles and giggles*


Rosemary Akinyi Mboya
Age: 13
Grade: 7

What is your favorite color?
“Pink and Purple.”
What are you looking forward to when you come to the U.S.?
“Animals; the ones that are wild and domestic and to make friends.”
What is your favorite Kenyan food? American food?
“Chapati and green grams; chicken nuggets.”
Why do you like being in the choir?
“I like to sing, dance, to explore the difference climate when we travel and know more about their culture.”
Do you have anything you would like to say to people in the U.S.?
“For you to have faith and trust in God.”


Julius Omollo Otieno
Age: 13
Grade: 7

What is your favorite color?
“Sky Blue”
What are you looking forward to when you come to the U.S.?
“Their culture and climate.”
What is your favorite Kenyan food? American food?
“Chapati and green grams; Chick-fil-a.”
Why do you like being in the choir?
“Because it can help to create my talent and future.”
Do you have anything you would like to say to people in the U.S.?
“Continue being strong in your faith.”


Cynthia Atieno Ochieng
Age: 14
Grade: 6

What is your favorite color?
“Sky blue and pink.”
What are you looking forward too when you come to the U.S.?
“Going to the zoo park and playing in the water.”
What is your favorite Kenyan food? American food?
“Porridge and sweet potato; Chick-fil-a.”
Why do you like being in the choir?
“Because I like to dance and sing.”
Do you have anything you would like to say to people in the U.S.?
“Thank you for your support.”

*Please note, the list of choir members could change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances.

P.S. Maisha needs help raising the remainder of the $25,000 it costs to bring the choir. To donate and give a child a voice, visit https://www.maishaproject.org/index.php?donate and give towards Fund the Vision.

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PO Box 570
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73101
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