Synopsis
There are 600m orphaned or at-risk children in the World. They would circle and navigate the world 14 times if they all held hands. In Liberia, West Africa, a choir of these children is trying to end this cycle of poverty through music and song. These are some of the most vulnerable children in the world living in some of the most dangerous areas of the poorest, most corrupt countries in the world. Despite living in conditions unimaginable to most of the Western World, these children are the happiest you will ever meet. Every week they come to this center to sing and dance together. They do not stop singing, dancing, and laughing. Together, they dream of becoming the first members of their families to go to school right the way through to university. Education is not free in Liberia. Some of the choir's kids receive sponsorship, allowing them to go to school right through to university. They can think of a future and, for the first time in their family, dare to dream of becoming mechanics, doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants, or whatever profession they set their mind to. They can become the generation to break the cycle of poverty. Twenty-four of these children will have the opportunity to become part of the Matsiko World Orphan's Choir. They will spend 11 months traveling across the USA, performing in over 30 states. Together, they will try to get 1,000 educational sponsors to give their friends, families, and communities a complete education. They will also try to provide other orphaned and at-risk children in other countries with this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The children and students of Matsiko film all the camera work you see in this docuseries. All the stories you hear are their stories. All the music you hear is their music, and the voices you hear are the voices of the children who are not meant to matter; they are not expected to succeed. These children of the Matsiko World Orphan Choir show the Western World their talent, showing that the world's forgotten children can achieve with trust and empowerment. Filmed over 2 and 1/2 years, you meet the forgotten children who hope to join the choir and watch their journeys as they aim to get selected and fulfill an unimaginable dream of going to school and visiting the US. They will experience many new firsts, such as indoor electricity, smooth roads, escalators, washing machines, airports, airplanes, US burgers, fireworks, and more that will warm your heart. Watch the kids telling their stories and see how they live without running water or electricity in some of the most dangerous areas of a country rebuilding after two devastating civil wars where child soldiers killed over 250,000 and 1/3 of the population was displaced for their safety. Learn of the daily challenges they face; some of the kids live in brothels, and many risk their lives selling on the street, risking being attacked or duped by child traffickers and learn how they operate. The show includes stories of how his mother nearly sold Moses. Liberia has a severe rape problem where, without education, many accept it as a way of life. Understand how three teenage teenage survivors, who met in a safe house after being drugged and raped by senior members of their community, were abandoned and left homeless. Watch how, despite their horrific ordeals, these girls want to use their experiences positively to support others and change mindsets within their country. The series covers stories of how generations of children crush rocks for 12 hours a day to eat a cup of rice and hear the dedication of how some escaped this life by walking for 4 hours to rehearsals and are now training to become doctors. You will cry, laugh, and be inspired by these incredible children as they travel across the USA singing for change. Watch as they grow before you and adapt effortlessly to Western life. They performed in Hollywood, sang the national anthem at football stadiums, and brought joy to workplaces, schools, retirement homes, and shops. They spontaneously performed at iconic US locations, creating a trail of love and goodness everywhere they go. Enjoy the delight of these children in Miami as they are surprised when the First Lady of Liberia calls them to congratulate them. Watch how an unlikely, unexpected meeting led to the recording of an album and a sold-out show with five standing ovations with some of the world's best jazz musicians in New York City. Witness how these kids unite. Watch the first-hand kindness of people across the USA and see the good side of the United States. This series is vibrant, uplifting, and real as we watch this journey through the eyes of children who dare to dream, help other 1,000 vulnerable children become professionals, and support their community's work towards a sustainable future. Witness how the power of music is changing lives and attitudes towards impoverished children who, with belief and encouragement, can make a lasting difference in the world.
