The ONE Campaign and The African Children's Choir

Taken straight from their website, the ONE Campaign explains who they are and their goals: "At ONE, we achieve change through advocacy. We hold world leaders accountable for the promises made to the poorest people, and we press these leaders to support better policies and more effective aid and trade reform. We also support greater democracy, accountability and transparency in developing countries so these resources can be effectively deployed."

On YouTube, I was able to find a couple of videos with celebrity artists performing with the African Children's Choir (as part of the ONE Campaign). I think it's interesting to watch the videos and consider the way the children are being used - and I use the word "used" because (essentially) they are being used. It is even more interesting to listen to what Chris Daughtry has to say after he performs with the choir. He says (regarding the One Campaign): "I still only know a fraction of what they're doing, but what I have seen is pretty crazy." Then, he goes on to ramble about his trip to Africa.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDdE05bBUjA

The other video that I'm posting is Josh Groban performing with the African Children's Choir. He sings "You Raise Me Up" which I found pretty amusing. In class, we've been speaking about how Americans might be using Africa to raise themselves up. What an ironic song to be singing. Even more ironic is the part when the children sing collectively (without Josh Groban): "I am strong when I am on your shoulders." It's very interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twdVE4n51rU