Imagine receiving a phone call on behalf of the President of the United States of America while you’re grocery shopping. That’s exactly what happened to me in June 2003, marking a pivotal moment in my career.
The emotional appeal of the children elevated the positive perception of the President’s empathetic charm, resonating deeply with both the local and international community.
At the time, I was the Creative Director at Watoto, an organization dedicated to caring for orphans and supporting widows affected by civil war, extreme poverty, and AIDS. Our mission was amplified through the voices of the Watoto Children’s Choir, who tour internationally to share their inspiring story and raise funds for the initiative.
First Lady Laura Bush, moved by an article about the choir, invited them to perform during an official State visit with Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni at The White House. Shortly thereafter, I received a call from the U.S. Embassy in Kampala: President George W. Bush wanted Watoto to be a part of his upcoming visit to Uganda.
During the official event, the children delivered a tear-jerking performance of “America the Beautiful” and the Ugandan national anthem, which I had the privilege to produce. The President was deeply moved, enveloped in the warm embrace of the Watoto children, who stand as beacons of hope for orphans and widows worldwide.
This magical moment I crafted and the sight of President Bush embraced by the children, was shared across international media, including CNN, ABC, TIME Africa Edition, and The New York Times. The story highlighted the profound impact of his administration’s international agenda, focusing on ending the spread of AIDS. The emotional appeal of the children elevated the positive perception of the President’s empathetic charm, resonating deeply with both the local and international community.
Our collaboration with the White House didn’t end there. Watoto was invited to appear with President Bush at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. later that year, further solidifying the impact and influence of his administration’s narrative.
