ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Wisner Park in Elmira was alive with song on Thursday morning as kids danced with audience members and used music to raise awareness. The well-renowned Matsiko World Orphan Choir is spending some time in Elmira and spreading hope to everyone they can.

Around 600 million orphans and at-risk children exist across the world and they are facing a variety of struggles every day. The children who make up the Matsiko World Orphan Choir were once in their shoes and are now using their optimism and musical gifts to help provide a complete education for young kids all over.

Because of their musical talent and interactive nature, people couldn't help but crack a smile and move their feet at Wisner Market on Thursday morning.

"You've seen these kids now they're full of heart, full of joy," said Mark Hegarty, the creative director for Matsiko World Orphan Choir. "They live in absolute poverty, yet they're the happiest, most joyful children in the world, they're talented."

Hegarty went to Liberia almost four years ago working on a different project about choirs with purpose. Once he met the kids he said, "Everything changed."

Now, Hegarty is working on a six-part docuseries that follows the kids in Liberia and throughout their 11-month tour in the United States. It's unique in the sense that the children film themselves and get to share their own stories.

However, the history of the organization itself dates back to 1998 when Matsiko Children International was founded by Don and Jennie Windham. The choir was officially founded seven years after in 2005.

The organization works through child sponsorship and gives vulnerable children a chance to have a complete education and start their journeys to a better life. More specifically, they give children hope. The Windhams used the word Matsiko, meaning hope, for a reason.

"These were orphaned and at-risk children that now, because of sponsorship, they're doctors, lawyers, mechanics," said Don Windham, one of the founders and current president of Matsiko Children International. "Our very first child is now a heart surgeon and now they help other kids. We have places all around the world where we help children and now they help other children like they were helped."

Mallay Mulbah is a 19-year-old child and one of many kids using their musical talents to uplift and raise awareness. Previously, Mulbah lived with a variety of family members in poverty. She struggled to find food and get a complete education. However, she did what she could to learn by going to school with her aunt, who was a teacher.

"I used to go to just learn the ABCs because I was not paying school fees and I was like, 'Oh my god, when will I be like this? Life is hard.'" said Mallay Mulbah, one of the performers in the Matsiko World Orphan Choir. "Once I almost gave up, but I know that I can do better and I continue to encourage myself. So I just like traveling around and helping because I was like them before and I know how it feels."

Elmira is one of many places the choir is traveling but, this isn't their first time here. Back in June, the group had somewhat of a trial run. They enjoyed the community's welcoming nature so much, they wanted to come back.

"They called Elmira a little bit of paradise and I thought that was really cool, because that's just really cool," said Pastor Evan Hansen from the North Presbyterian Church in Elmira who helped to coordinate the group's visit and stay in the area.

The choir puts on quite a unique and interactive experience for audience members and, if you missed them today, the group is still in Elmira for one more day. On Friday, September 27 at 7:00 P.M., Matsiko will perform at the Gibson Theatre at Elmira College for free. All are welcome to attend.

After that, the Matsiko World Orphan Choir will continue their tour across the country making stops in Philadelphia and Syracuse.

For those who want to follow their journey or help their mission of providing education for vulnerable children, the Matsiko World Orphan Choir can be found on Facebook, Instagram, or Spotify, where they put out music every two months. Additional and up to date information on the group can also be found on their website.