Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The last 6 months have flown but you all have consistently been in my thoughts.  Our team in Australia is kept up to date on our upcoming collaborations, your energy and enthusiasm. We are deeply encouraged by this and are excited that the project is moving into the implementation of key initiatives that are in line with your vision. Being able to visit Malawi after 15 years was a truly moving experience. It was beautiful to be amongst you all and experience your warm hospitality. I sincerely look forward to spending more time with you all in January 2012.

As I was walking home this morning, I found myself reflecting on the essence of what we do as an organisation, the heart of this collaboration with your community across 5 years. To me this journey is about the actioning of a deep realization about ourselves, that we are ...from the youngest to the oldest...capable beyond measure. That your community is considered poor and deprived only by those ignorant of a deeper truth. For you have a network of strong relationships to support each other, you have vision, you have trust, you have respect and a deep connection with the abundant earth.  The so called rich and developed nations that we so often look to imitate...tend to lack these vital aspects and hunger for what you have right now.  So many discontent and unfulfilled despite the appearance of having so much. I urge you all to reflect on the riches you have amongst you and challenge the notion of imitating a western ideal of development. You have an opportunity to avoid their mistakes and misfortunes on your journey towards abundance.

In light of all this I have come to sense that poverty is not a matter of money, it is not simply a lack of anything material like water, electricity or healthcare. They are merely the surface. From where I stand today, I feel that real poverty is a lack of self belief, a lack of love for ourselves and our immense capacity as human beings to address anything we desire. I have sensed and continue to sense this in myself; I feel its ache and the joyous release that comes from this realisation. I know not if this resonates with you but I felt the need to share. Our roles, the roles of brothers and sisters like Jones, Collen, Grivin and Lieza are to serve as mirrors, the reflective surface of a river in which you see the splendour of your own capability for yourselves.

A close friend of mine reminded me of an observation in nature. That of a butterfly’s struggle in the cocoon prior to glorious flight. It undergoes an immense struggle to break free of the cocoon, a struggle for freedom. The tendency for us to want to ease this sign of suffering is high, as an act of apparent compassion. Yet the reality is that rescuing the butterfly from this struggle would kill it. The struggle allows blood to flow into its wings and strengthen them for flight. Without it the butterfly would be paralysed and unable to move. Thus it’s a beautiful, necessary effort that allows it to unfurl its beauty and savour freedom in this world. I see this as being so similar to our partnership with your community. We are not here to rescue or ease apparent suffering; we are here to strengthen your wings so that you have the freedom to fly in the directions you choose together.

Our commitment is towards enabling your leadership as well providing access to knowledge and resources that you need on this journey. Our passion lies in being able to enable you all to create the community you desire, as opposed to one that is imposed on you by others.

Our collective dream is that in 4 ½ years from now, you are able to create a strong and loving community that is self-reliant. One in which every child, woman and man can have a dream, have the space to share it and bring that possibility to life. One in which everyone is heard, nurtured and able to contribute.

My dream is to sit with you 4 ½ years from now. Not as a foreigner, a superior or an expert but as a fellow brother. A guest in your community being told of the great achievements you have brought to life through collaboration.  To feel the joy of not being needed ...but instead being wanted as a witness to your creations. For you all to raise your hearts and hands in the spirit of contribution to your wider community, to your nation and to fellow brothers and sisters across the world. For while you may not see it right now, you are beacons of possibility for the world and generations yet to come. For by taking power into your own hands today, you are enabling others to do the same.

I am honoured to be on this journey with you all and look forward to seeing you all soon.

With Love,

Shanil and Team Empower