African Children’s Choir, a charitable relief organization that serves children and people in the community, is performing at four New Orleans area churches in the coming week.

Among many children who are deprived of critical living conditions in Africa because of civil conflicts, famine, and AIDS, the Times-Picayune reported that many are finding new hope through African Children’s Choir.

African Children's Choir was founded in 1984 in Uganda by Ray Barnett, an ordained minister who also went through hard times during his childhood as an orphan. The choir has traveled around the world bringing joy to the people.

The choir, composed of 26 seven- to 12-year-old children from five countries in Africa, will perform African songs and dance with gospel.

All the performances are free, but donations will be accepted in support of the group and the poor children through out Africa including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, the Sudan and Uganda. Refreshments and recreational activities will be provided by hosting churches.

The choir will perform on Friday at 7 p.m. at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 4201 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie; Sunday at 10 a.m. at Love Outreach Christian Center, 4840 General Meyer Ave.; and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Christian Unity Baptist Church, 1700 Conti St. The choir will also perform in Slidell, Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 627 Gause Blvd.