16th November, 2010
An African Christmas Celebration
AMREF UK's Christmas Carol Service 2010
AMREF celebrated Christmas with an African twist on 8th December. Our traditional carol service was infused with African songs and readings that truly brought the spirit of Africa alive.
The venue, St Dunstan-in-the-West in London was transformed with swathes of vibrant African material and decorations.
‘In such a cosmopolitan city as London, where people come from every corner of the world, it is delightful to bring this to life tonight,’ remarked Reverend William Gulliford.
Our maternal ambassador Jumoké Fashola sang a moving rendition of a traditional carol, accompanied by double bass. AMREF staff from UK and Tanzania gave inspirational readings from Luke’s gospel plus a re-telling of the Magi story from an African perspective.
The London African Gospel Choir performed with passion and energy, the soulful numbers interspersed with jubilant songs which got the 200-strong congregation on their feet clapping and dancing to the music.
AMREF UK CEO Grace Mukasa delivered the AMREF Christmas appeal, focusing on fact that giving birth in Africa is the most dangerous thing a woman can do.
She brought the lives of African mothers vividly to life as she highlighted AMREF’s work in training midwives to help mothers deliver their babies safely. This work is literally life-saving, as 95% of the countries with the highest maternal death rates are in Africa.
Grace's appeal led the congregation to give an incredible £1,500 during the collection for our work in Africa. Thank you to everyone who came to the service and donated so generously.
Afterwards, AMREF played host at our offices nearby with mulled wine, mince pies and African drinks and snacks.
If you missed the event, you are still able to support AMREF's life-saving work here. You can see more photos from the event on our facebook page.