p o s s i b l e d r e a m si n t e r n a t i o n a l

We Can!N e w s l e t t e r

Welcome

We

Can

!

Dear Friends,

What a journey we have been on!

Four years ago, Possible Dreams International formed a choir of young people from the rural areas of the Lubombo Mountains of Swaziland. Their charter is to give vibrant voice to those whose voices are unheard within communities overwhelmed by disease and poverty. Over the last four years they have visited homes and villages, using the healing power of music to bring hope and joy to those who are living with AIDS, endemic disease, and malnutrition, and have also performed regularly at community committee meetings in remote areas of the Lubombo Mountains. They have done this, and continue to do so, in tandem with PDI development projects aimed at providing emergency relief aid and sustainable solutions to people affected by AIDS/HIV and extreme poverty.

From the earliest stages, it was clear that this was a choir with a singular power not only to bring hope to desperate situations, but also to create bridges of understanding between a huge diversity of people. They eloquently shared stories of their people and their own personal struggles as a way of entering into a conversation about the issues that face Swaziland. As the choir evolved and grew, a dream was born that one day we could bring them to Australia. About twelve months ago, I met an incredible man, named David Dunn, who would become my friend, our tour producer, and a powerful advocate for the project. David and Chelsea Peacock, our tour coordinator, headed up a remarkable group of volunteers from PDI and a ‘Dream Council’ of young students and volunteers from around Victoria, who worked tirelessly to bring the choir to Australia.

In March of 2013, the dream became vibrantly and breathtakingly real! I’ll never forget the moment the plane took off from Johannesburg Airport with twenty-six Swazi

choir members taking their first bold journey out into the world. With nineteen performances across Melbourne and rural Victoria, the members of the PDI Choir shared the spirit, music, and story of rural Swaziland with the people of Australia. The Choir performed at Federation Square, the Australian Grand Prix, private and public schools, and religious and non-religious events. They also featured on national television, radio, and print media, such as The Age and The Project. Wherever they went the reception was extraordinary. Powerful friendships were made, and bridges of understanding and hopes for the future were shared with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Over the course of three short weeks, not only did we see these young Swazis grow steadily in their leadership ability and understanding of their own value and gifts, but we saw a huge number of Australians touched deeply by the experience of knowing and hearing them. The rich cross-cultural exchange was a credit to the people of Swaziland and Australia.

The tour has been a wonderful achievement in so many ways, and we are grateful and excited to announce that the choir tour raised around $70, 000 Australian dollars! It is a testament to the generosity and dedication of all who attended and who were involved. The funds will be used directly for grass-roots empowerment packages for families in acute need in rural Swaziland. Each package will range from providing housing, basic medical care, connection to medical facilities, basic income generating and home agricultural projects, and basic water access and sanitation.

On behalf of all of us at Possible Dreams International, we want to thank every member of the team who worked so hard to bring this dream to life. To the army of volunteers that shared their gifts, time, and resources, we are deeply grateful. To the schools and organisations who supported us, we hope to continue our affiliation for many years to come. For all of those who were with us in spirit, who followed us on Facebook or in the media and came to watch the concerts, thank you for your palpable love and encouragement. Finally to the Possible Dreams International Choir, you will never truly know just how deeply or powerfully you have impacted the lives of so many. Your spirit, your song, raised us all up in ways which mere words cannot describe.

Whatever part you played in this journey, we say a grateful ‘Siyabonga’ ‒ thank you ‒ for being part of this possible dream. It is truly only the beginning, and we are excited to walk with you into the future.

Kungenteka! ‒ We can.

Maithri

Being a part of the Dream Council has been incredibly rewarding for me, as well as an amazing opportunity. I first became involved with Possible Dreams International through my role as Community Service Captain for my school and through the fundraising events we put on for PDI. At Carey Baptist Grammar School, these included Zumba classes, Carey’s own “The Voice”, as well as a musical concert including students from different sections of the school, past students, and the very talented Maithri. The creativity and range of fundraisers that different schools and community groups came up with became quickly evident. Being a part of this council, seeing the range of members from diverse backgrounds working towards a common goal, has been inspiring. Passion has been evident in each meeting as we discussed details from fun activities for the PDI Choir, meals, accommodation, and community involvement. Our group has bonded, and my experience within the Dream Council has been of wonderfully supportive people who I would consider not only a strong network of passionate Possible Dreams supporters, but also now friends. We have grown more comfortable around each other, come to recognise the strengths of each member, and found unity as a group.

For me, the highlight of my time with PDI has been the opportunity to Skype some of the key members of the choir in Swaziland in the middle of last year. Sitting in front of a laptop with two of my other co-captains, talking to this group of young people from a different culture in a country in a different part of the world was awe inspiring. It was so wonderful we couldn’t stop smiling. They told us about the choir’s work in Swaziland, and we were lucky enough to hear some of their life stories, which, although devastating, showed us that their resilience and determination was amazing. The choir members sung for us, which was

breathtaking and uplifting, even through a laptop screen and speakers. I am a strong believer in the power of youth and their ability to create change—especially when it comes to issues of poverty. Sitting with the Dream Council, the spirit of compassion and the belief of a better future are very much alive within this group. As youth, our power is often underestimated, or we are considered to need strict supervision, but this Dream Council, I believe, shows the opposite. It is full of responsible, respectful active members of the community who have been supported and inspired by PDI’s leaders to play an important role in working towards the tour coming out to Australia. Thank you specifically to Chelsea and Maithri who have been such amazing support within this council, as well as role models for us all, providing us with this opportunity to become actively involved with PDI, and everybody else who has made the Dream Council possible.

Ebony

Carey Baptist student, Ebony on her experiences as part of the PDI Dream Council

Publishing a book is no easy feat. It was one of the many lessons I learnt as a first-time project coordinator and editorial assistant. There are many stages of publishing (such as editing, fact checking, layout, and design to only name a few), and the final publication is the result of much hard work and the integrated team effort between the

author, editor, and the publishing and design team. It can take years to publish a book. And so, the publication of Vula Bevalile: Letters from a Young Doctor has been a great team achievement.

It was only last year we met Maithri, whose enthusiasm and optimism I found to be contagious. He told us about Possible Dreams International and his work in Swaziland over the past seven years, and how he had written a collection of short stories of his experiences and of the people he’d met while working as a doctor in Swaziland. Despite having no funding at the time, after much discussion we felt that Maithri’s stories, the stories of the Swazi people, deserved a chance to be heard.

Most of our funding came from Arts Victoria, who approved to fund Maithri’s book. It was a delightful surprise when we found out. Earlier, we had tried crowdfunding for the first time, and with the kind generosity of supporters, we achieved our funding target to help with the printing costs of the book.

For months, and many late nights, we closely analysed and edited the stories, while our designer also worked on the front cover and layout of the book, applying attention to the most minute details. At the final stages, a team of diligent volunteers from Ilura Press checked, double-checked, and triple-checked details, and searched for errors and spelling corrections. It was a huge team effort. Sifting through and fleshing out details, we hope we have enhanced Maithri’s stories to produce a richer and fuller experience for you, the reader. We hope that through these stories, you will discover

a deeper understanding of the humanity and strength of the Swazi people.

It has been a privilege and an unforgettable experience to work with Maithri and Possible Dreams International, and I look forward to continuing to work with Possible Dreams International as newsletter editor.

Thank you to all of the supporters and Ilura Press volunteers, who dedicated their time, skills, and effort to helping publish the book. I would also like to add that all profits from the sale of Vula Bevalile: Letters from a Young Doctor go to Possible Dreams International.

Rafah MalaebProject Coordinator and Editorial Assistant at Ilura Press

Review of Vulu Bevalile: Letters from a Young Doctor in The Age, and selected as non-fiction ‘Pick of The Week’. This extraordinary book opens with an epigraph from Rilke: “Most experiences are unsayable. They happen in a space that no word has ever entered.” Yet somehow, in beautifully limpid and pared-back prose, Maithri Goonetilleke distils his experiences in Swaziland, which he regularly visits to work as a doctor providing emergency medical relief to poor communities ravaged by AIDS. Words such as “uplifting” and “profound” cannot begin to capture the quiet potency of the stories he tells about the people he works with and treats. Central to these communities are the gogos - the grandmothers who carry the burden of caring for all the young children whose parents have died of AIDS. Goonetilleke captures the dignity and uniqueness of each person he encounters. What strikes him most forcefully is the “almost counter-intuitive spiritual wealth” that coexists with extreme material poverty. “Each day that I walk the dusty roads of Swaziland, I meet millionaires clothed as the humble poor.”

– The Age

Vula Bevalile Letters From A Young Doctor

Order Your Copy Today!http://www.ilurapress.com/index.php?pid=55&PHPSES-SID=4e9254ba876902449e9985c10aa5d106

On the 3rd of March 2013, the Possible Dreams International Choir

embarked on a journey of a lifetime to Australia. Upon arrival at

Melbourne International Airport, we received an amazing and

unexpected warm welcome from the wonderful people of Australia.

We were amazed by the love, care, and generosity we received from the

families we lived with, as well as everyone else we came across. We were

always taken care of, always fed delicious food; we did miss home, but

we never wanted to leave Australia because of the way we were cared for.

This tour has been the greatest adventure in our lives as Swazis, and we

will always honour and cherish it. As the Possible Dreams International

Choir, we would love to pass on our greatest gratitude to everyone who

was involved in making the tour a possibility. We do not have enough

words to describe our joy and thanks for everything you have all done.

People of Australia, you will always be remembered and you will forever

be in our hearts. May the Lord Almighty bless and keep you all.

Nkululeko MakhanyaPossible Dreams International Choir Member

A word from Nkululeko Makhanya

“This tour has been the greatest adventure in our lives as Swazis, and we will always honour and cherish it.”

Fortunate TsabedzeFortunate is one of the leaders of the PDI choir and comes from the town of Sinceni. She has a loving grandmother whom she adores and her passion in life is singing. Her beautiful voice is matched only by her heart.

Nomcebo PhakathiNomcebo lives in the rural community of Makhewu. Her humility and sense of humour have made her a beloved member of the PDI choir. Nomcebo’s magnificent vocal ability has given her a name as a singer in Swaziland but her great love is singing for the people. She often visits rural families with the PDI team and sings for them.

Promise DlaminiThe first member of the PDI choir. Promise is a warrior for those living with HIV and extreme poverty in Swaziland. She has two beautiful children and walks each day to choir practice with her walking stick and a singular determination that inspires all.

Bongukugcinwa MhlangaBongukugcinwa (or Kitso as she is also known) is from Hlutie and works in Siteki. Bongukugcinwa’s voice has brought her acclaim in Swaziland but with great humility and commitment she passionately serves the PDI choir.

Temvelo MatsenjwaAlways the first to practice, Temvelo (or Mageba as she is known) is known for her dedication. She lives in the rural community of Makhewu and often assists at the care point for orphans and vulnerable children.

Nombuyiselo MatsenjwaNombuyiselo has sung with the PDI choir for many years. She loves to dance and singing brings her great comfort at the end of each day. She dreams of one day attending university and becoming a doctor.

Meet The Choir

Temanteni BhembeTemanteni has worked with her mother at the care point for orphans and vulnerable children in Makhewu for many years. She dreams of becoming a nurse.

Nomfundo MaphosaNomfundo often volunteers with the PDI team and visits housing/medical or water projects assisting in whatever way she can. She is passionate about the vision of PDI and speaks eloquently about issues facing her people. She is a great dancer.

Fezile DlaminiFezile is known by many in Swaziland for her spectacular soulful voice. She sings lead with the PDI choir as well as volunteering on PDI projects. Fezile’s down to earth attitude and sense of humour makes her a beloved member of the choir.

Nothando NtshingilaNothando is a Swazi native who now lives in South Africa with her family. Her love of music and singing means that whenever she is in Swaziland she is part of her beloved PDI choir. Her singing and dancing can move the hardest heart. She has battled many adversities and overcome them!

Thembi BhembeThembi is one of the mothers of the choir. She is a member of the local PDI team and works every day in the most rural and remote areas of Swaziland. Eloquent and articulate, she is a passionate advocate for those who are suffering in her community. And she can sing!

Thobani ZikalalaThobani is a strong young man with a vibrant determination to help those who are suffering. An amputee himself, Thobani is a proud member of the PDI choir and an advocate for his people.

Mthobisi MagagulaMthobisi has been a member of the PDI choir for many years. Because of the personal adversities he has faced, Mthobisi understands very well the needs of his people and works to empower others around him in the rural areas of Swaziland. He is also a keen soccer player.

Mlekeleli DlaminiKnown for his keen sense of humour and dedication, Mlekeleli is a founding member of the PDI choir. He loves music with all his heart and has a long time affiliation with the Good Shepherd Hospital in Siteki.

Celani GamedzeCelani (Mphumelelo) is a talented musician with a heart for the people of Swaziland. He plays keyboards and sings with a beautiful baritone.

Phumlani NgwenyaKnown affectionately as Pavarotti, Phumlani has a soaring tenor voice and a gentle humble spirit which has made him a beloved member of the PDI choir. He loves playing sport in his spare time.

Mancoba MatsenjwaMancoba sings tenor in the choir and has grown up raising his little sister. He works hard and loves music and believes in a positive future for himself and his people.

Ciniso DlaminiCiniso’s characteristic fun loving personality and sense of humor have endeared him to the choir. He loves to sing and dance.

Sibusiso MabasoSibusiso joined the PDI choir last year and has been a commited member since that time. He sings with gusto and loves going out with the PDI team to visit disadvantaged families in the rural communities.

Sibusiso ThobelaSibusiso has a brilliant mind and has finished first in his class for many years despite coming from a materially impoverished background. He has a deep sense of integrity and love of music. He dreams of becoming a doctor.

Nkululeko MakhanyaNkululeko is one of the leaders of the PDI choir and an assistant conductor. He has a beautiful baritone voice and has excelled academically in spite of all the odds. He lives with his Gogo (grandmother) and many other children in his homestead in Swaziland.

Thembela DlaminiThembela is known for his wide smile and diligent attitude. He has a beautiful bass voice and is a fantastic dancer!

Nthsikelelo DlaminiNtsiky, as he is affectionately known has a spectacular baritone voice. In spite of the trials he has faced in his own life he maintains a singular sense of humour and is known to erupt into riotous laughter. A beloved member of the choir Ntsiky loves singing for those who have suffered in rural Lubombo.

Bekezela BhembeBeki (as he is known) is one of the members of the PDI team in Swaziland. He works every day in the most remote areas of Swaziland with people living with AIDS and extreme poverty. He is known for his gentleness and sensitivity to the needs of his people.

Anna ZwaneAnna Zwane (Matron) as we call her is 73 years old and the matriarch of the PDI choir and team. She has worked as a nurse in the rural Africa for over forty years and is one of the most respected figures in health care in Swaziland. Matron does not sing with the choir but as Supervisor of the PDI team in Swaziland she is a mentor and wise guide for all at PDI and those in the PDI choir.

Samuel DlaminiAssistant Conductor in Dr. Maithri’s absence, Samuel (Makhundu) has worked for many years as one of Swaziland’s foremost sound engineers and music producers. He has worked throughout Swaziland and South Africa and is passionate about music and serving people in the rural communities. He is a great friend and mentor to all in the choir.

1. Siyahamba (Traditional) Soloists – Nomcebo, Fortunate, Elizabeth

2. Always There (Words: Brendan Graham, Music: Rolf Løvland) Soloists - Nkhululeko, Fortunate, Sibusiso, Elizabeth, Nomcebo

3. Ndingene Endumisweni (Traditional)

4. Jerusalem Ikhaya Lami (Traditional) Soloists – Fortunate, Tsepo

5. Sizohamba Naye (Traditional) Soloist – Fortunate

6. You Raise Me Up (Words: Brendan Graham, Music: Rolf Løvland) Soloists – Maithri, Fortunate

7. Walk Through the Tears (Words and Music: Dr. Maithri Goonetilleke)

8. Udumo (Traditional) Soloist – Elizabeth

9. Akheko Ofana NoJesu (Traditional) Soloists – Nomcebo, Fortunate, Elizabeth

POSSIBLE DREAMS INTERNATIONAL CHOIR

“It is beyond anything I had expected...What it has most is soul...real, deep-down feelings of joy, of exuberance, of longing, of hope... a ‘yes-to-life’ message - no matter what the hurdles and burdens that life brings. I stayed up till 4.30 in the morning listening to it.

...The tracks on here are outstanding - Jerusalem I absolutely loved...and Akheko and Siyahamba, are so joyous that they will lighten any load. Also, though there are many, many versions of You Raise Me Up by now...no one has heard one quite like this, with Fortunate up there, somewhere in the heavens singing it down to the earth below... and Maithri and the voices cutting in across the melody...sheer brilliance.”

- Brendan Graham (Author, Lyricist and Composer of worldwide smash hit ‘You Raise Me Up)

100% of profits from the sale of this CD will go towards the work of Possible Dreams International as they empower families and communities living in the poorest areas of rural Swaziland.

ITUNES:http://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/possible-dreams-international/id489946488

AMAZON:http://www.amazon.com/Voices-for-the-Voiceless/dp/B006MONCMG

Purchase ‘Voices For The Voiceless’ on Itunes or Amazon

TRACKSA Few Words From Brendan Graham

Learn More About The Choir:http://www.possibledreamsinternational.org/make-a-difference/support-a-campaign/possible-dreams-choir/

POSSIBLE DREAMS INTERNATIONALPossible Dreams International is a Melbourne based, non-profit organisation which partners with 32 rural and remote communities in Swaziland, Southern Africa to empower families and individuals living with extreme poverty, malnutrition and endemic disease.

In rura l Swazi land, Poss ible Dreams Internat ional provides :

- Emergency aid relief in the form of medical care, food and housing.

- Sustainable development solutions including water access, agricultural support and income generating projects.

- Our team is comprised of local Swazi people as well as international volunteers.

Possible DreamsInternational

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