Following its successful tour in 2003, the Milton Margai School for the Blind in Sierra Leone choir will be touring Britain this year giving a series of concerts as detailed below.

The residential school, founded in 1956 in the capital Freetown with 3 pupils and one teacher, now has over 80 children and 20 staff. It receives some support from the Sierra Leone Government; however, its continued running is largely dependent upon the help and support of benefactors and well wishers and the school’s official charity, the UK Association for the Milton Margai School for the Blind in Sierra Leone, was established in 2004 to coordinate these efforts.

Music plays an important part in the school’s activities and its choir is recognised as one of the finest in the whole of Sierra Leone. This year’s tour will help mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade, an event of special significance to UK/Sierra Leone relations – Freetown was founded as a haven for freed slaves.

Our aims are to provide a memorable and life-changing experience for these courageous children, continued support for the running of this remarkable school, and an opportunity for audiences in the UK to see and hear these gifted young people. Please come along.

Peter Penfold
former British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone