190004325 Warchild NL DTD Magazine V7.Indd

THE DUTCH NATIONAL BALLET A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

WHO INSPIRES SAM SMITH

INTERVIEW WITH BRANDI CARLILE 01 FOREWORD

INTRODUCING 02. MICHAELA’S VISITS TO HUMBERTO TAN UGANDA AND LEBANON 03. Your host of the night ABOUT WAR CHILD Humberto is a much-loved TV and radio presenter of Surinamese descent, best known for his presentation of RTL Late Night and 04. spots on RTL Boulevard, Studio Sport, Dance Dance Dance and MEET DANIEL - Holland’s Got Talent. For his work, he has won the Sonja Barend WAR CHILD Award and two times the Silver Televisier Star. FACILITATOR 05. 06 10 Wake up to the radio? ERNST SUUR - 15 YEARS DUTCH NATIONAL CHEFS & REFUGEE You might’ve caught Humberto brightening up your morning on ON THE FRONTLINE BALLET COMPANY Evers Staat Op or On the Move. Michaela is delighted to welcome him as your host for the event. 07. 11. SAM SMITH ADVISORY GROUP Did you know? Humberto was this year named Knight of the Order of Orange- 08. 12. Nassau. BRANDI CARLILE THANK YOU

09. MIA DEPRINCE & LAVINIA MEIJER

2 Foreword: Humberto Tan Voorwoord: HumbertoContent page Tan 3 PROGRAMME

6PM – RECEPTION & BITES

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7.15PM – OPENING Michaela DePrince & Humberto Tan

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7.45PM – A DREAM IS A SEED Michaela’s Story Yav - Christian Yav Latch - Sam Smith & Edo Wijnen

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8.20PM – A DREAM TAKES WORK I Am Enough - Daniel Montero Real & Band, Edo Wijnen & Nathan Brhane Interactive Session - Let’s draw Bubble of Time - Lavinia Meijer

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9.05PM – A DREAM AS ACHIEVEMENT Ocen Daniel Osako, War Child Facilitator Uganda The Joke – Brandi Carlile Party of One - Sam Smith & Brandi Carlile Auction – led by Paulina Cramer

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10.20PM – A DREAM TO SHARE 5 Tangos - Constantine Allen Embers - Nathan Brhane & Jessica Xuan Finale - Michaela & Mia DePrince

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‘TIL MIDNIGHT DJ Joshua Walters with vocals by Mavis Acquah

5 Dear friends, family, partners and colleagues…

What a special moment this is. After months of planning, practicing - and dreaming - I welcome you all warmly to AFAS Live.

It’s been three years since I became an ambassador for War Child Holland. And much longer still, since I left the orphanage in Sierra Leone to start a new life. What I’ve learnt along the way is that it takes a great deal more than a safe place to sleep, food on the table or fame and fortune to really overcome the demons of your past. Dare to dream? Yes. But fi rst we have to really look inwards.

I strongly believe in two things: psychosocial support and education. It’s as simple and as earth- shattering as that. That’s why I organised this gala. We all have a big task ahead of us.

Where will your money go? Towards supporting children aff ected by war and armed confl ict to access eff ective psychosocial support - because mental health is just as important as physical wellbeing.

During a recent trip to Uganda I met Daniel (see page 14), someone who’s fi ghting back and making a diff erence in his community. He reminded me of the day I learnt to dance. He reminded me of my goal in all of this.

I wish you all a wonderful evening in which we can give a voice to children in confl ict. Let's dare to dream!

MICHAELA DEPRINCE MY STORY

Michaela was born in Sierra Leone in 1995 in the midst of a bloody civil war. During her fi rst years of life, some 50,000 men, women and children lost their lives. Her parents were among the dead.

“I was born with vitiligo, a skin condition which causes patches of my skin to lose its pigment and turn white. Because of this, I was exposed to ridicule and harassment in the orphanage I grew up in. They called me the devil’s child. One morning, the dusty wind blew a yellowed magazine down the street onto the orphanage gate. On the cover was a picture of a beautiful ballerina en pointe. I didn’t know what she was doing when I fi rst saw her but it didn’t really matter much to me. Of course I noticed her pink tutu. But what planted the seed of hope - that I hadn’t felt in a long time - was that she looked so happy and content. All I knew right away was that I had to be this person.”

Today, Michaela - War Child And she believes this outlook “TURN YOUR PAST; Holland ambassador and fi ts perfectly with War Child’s Dutch National Ballet soloist - mission. “Through specialised YOUR SCARS INTO has achieved all that and more. psychosocial support, War YOUR STRENGTH. Child provides children with THAT’S WHAT “My American adoptive the support I could only have parents were ultimately my wished for as a child - the I ALWAYS TRY salvation,” she says. “I spent opportunity to play, to sing and TO DO.” the next years of my childhood express yourself.” in the United States where “It’s never enough for me,” she ballet became my vocation. And - following her recent says. “That’s why I organised My dream came true.” appearance at the International Dare to Dream. At this moment, Conference on Mental Health some 420 million children are Michaela’s outlook is simple: and Psychosocial Support in growing up in an environment “Turn your past, your scars into Crisis Situations in Amsterdam of armed confl ict. My dream is your strength. That’s what - Michaela is determined to that I will one day live to see a I always try to do.” shed light on this topic. huge decrease in this number.”

8 My story - Michaela DePrince We organized a workshop that Did anything surprise her? and partners through years of day where I explained to a group “First of all, I have seen - I know testing and research. “And it of children what ballet is. We - how important it is to have works,” Michaela says. had so much fun!” a Safe Space that's more than “The children were so eager just a house built of stones. It’s to learn. I was told that this And did her experiences a place with people around you kind of education is also used bring our programmes to who care about you. And a place in other countries where War life? “In lots of ways,” Michaela where you care about others.” Child works, such as Sudan and smiles. “In both countries, I “Secondly, I was impressed by Jordan,” she adds. “I believe it enjoyed participating in the the knowledge and enthusiasm has great potential.” daily activities run by War of the hardworking staff and Child - a combination of games, facilitators on the ground. Many “ON STAGE THEY LET GO sports, education and dancing, had their own experiences of OF EVERYTHING. THAT all focused on children’s mental war yet they were still able to REALLY TOUCHED ME.” health and wellbeing. Of help others. For me, they are the course, I was well briefed by the real heroes.” “And in Lebanon I also learnt Amsterdam off ice, but it only something new - the ‘Dabke’ started to make sense when I “I was particularly fascinated dance,” Michaela recalls. “It’s a saw how these (psychosocial) by the e-learning programme traditional Arabic dance that’s methodologies applied to the Can’t Wait to Learn, which an absolute favourite at parties.” children.” Work such as this I saw in action within the Michaela pauses for a moment remains challenging - with the Shatila refugee camp in Beirut, with her thoughts. “Dancing number of children around the Lebanon. Many children can’t connects children with each world living in confl ict zones attend regular schools but this other but it also connects the on the rise – but Michaela teaches them to read, write and child with their own emotions. is positive about the steps count via tablets - amongst It’s the perfect way to express MY STORY that have been made in the other things.” your feelings and a powerful humanitarian sector. “I felt like outlet. You don’t always have to a child again,” she says. “I saw Lebanon - which struggles with talk.” that children were opening up a weak economy and depleted AND and expressing themselves social services - continues “Dance is what helps them and through easy games and to meet the needs of Syrian what fi nally helped me. For in personal interaction. They refugees, who today make up my performance lies everything: connected with each other - and a quarter of the population. In my past, present and future. ultimately with themselves. For 2018, some 300,000 refugee On stage, they too let go of me, this shows what resilience children in Lebanon were out of everything. That really touched In the summer of 2019, But, fortunately, Michaela got on Julia (12) was one of these means in practice, and how to school. me.” Michaela visited Uganda and the plane. “I decided I wanted children. “Meeting Julia was like be like a ‘regular child’, despite Lebanon to see the work of to see War Child’s work with seeing myself as little Mabinty the things they have gone Fast, eff ective and low-cost, the War Child fi rst-hand. It was my own eyes,” she says. “The again,” Michaela recalls. “The through. It all restores hope and evidence-based programme time for her to meet children work that makes a diff erence in sadness mixed with great confi dence.” was developed by War Child who are growing up just like the lives of children. That was wisdom. Knowing what you she did. important to me.” want but still not sure if you are going to accomplish it. She has “Honestly, I fi rst doubted if I In Uganda, Michaela travelled so much to off er.” really wanted to go”, Michaela north to the Bidi Bidi settlement recalls. “I knew it would bring - the largest refugee camp in Michaela continues: “Julia even back bad memories of my own the world. Here, more than brought two other girls into her childhood in Sierra Leone. I 270,000 South Sudanese own family. That just shows was afraid of new nightmares people - mostly women and how open her heart is. Despite haunting me again.” children - live as refugees, being sad - heartbroken over having escaped the ongoing what she has lost - she is able to civil war at home. give love and that’s incredible.

10 My story - Michaela DePrince Highlight - Caregiver Support Intervention co-create the content and design of the games Children living in the midst of armed conflict based on their own experiences and stories. The don’t grow up in isolation. The stresses and content, which is based on government-approved physical threats they frequently face – such as educational curricula, allows children to become forced migration and loss of loved ones - affect immersed in a world that reflects their reality - their parents and caregivers too. That’s why War and start learning right away. Child is developing a programme in support of the important adults in children’s lives. CHILD PROTECTION The structures necessary to maintain the safety The Caregiver Support Intervention (CSI) has of children often break down in times of armed been designed to lower stress and improve conflict. In volatile settings, such as crowded wellbeing among parents and other caregivers refugee camps, children are exposed to a number of children - in order to strengthen their ability of risks including violence, abuse and sexual to make the best use of the parenting knowledge exploitation. We work to uphold children’s right to and skills they already possess. We help them safety. embrace ‘positive parenting’ techniques through a series of group sessions. This positive parenting What we do is typified by warm, positive interactions with We work to put these structures back together - children that ultimately serve to increase their partnering with communities and official bodies self-esteem and social skills. to uphold the fundamental rights of children WE BELIEVE NO and strengthen child protection systems. Our EDUCATION programmes work with the individual - utilising a Article 28 of the UN Convention on the Rights of ‘case management’ approach to ensure children CHILD SHOULDBE the Child states that every child has the right to a receive appropriate and targeted support. formal education. Yet more than 32 million across the world have never seen a teacher as a result of Highlight - Safe Spaces in Lebanon PART OF WAR. armed conflict. Lebanon hosts the highest proportion of refugees of any country in the world. This figure includes EVER. What we do some 1.5 million displaced people from Syria - Our education programmes are designed with the nearly half of whom are children. This significant long-term goal of building children’s academic, population increase has had an overwhelming social and emotional knowledge and skills to effect on the country’s infrastructure and WE ARE WAR CHILD PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT be able to participate fully in their societies economy - leading to tension between host War Child works exclusively to improve the 420 million children are forced to grow up in and realise their full potential. They encompass communities and more recent arrivals. At least 1.4 resilience and wellbeing of children living with the midst of armed conflict. This atmosphere activities such as catch-up education, basic million children are classified as ‘at risk’ of threats violence and the effects of armed conflict. of violence has many direct negative effects on numeracy and literacy, e-learning initiatives for including physical violence and family separation. We empower children in everything we do. the mental health of these children - including out-of-school children and enhanced support for Through our creative and engaging approach, feelings of fear, anxiety and depression. Yet, with educational professionals. In several Safe Spaces across the country, we we work to unleash their inner strength. the right support, most children will be able to support refugee children to recover from their cope with the adversities they experience. Highlight - Can’t Wait to Learn experiences. What do these spaces look like? Championed by UNESCO for its transformative They are a physical place, shielded from the “WE BELIEVE IN What we do use of information technology, Can’t Wait to outer world - where children affected by war can THE STRENGTH We work directly with children, the important Learn teaches children how to read, write and laugh, play and learn to leave the terror of war adults in their lives and the communities around count by playing educational games on tablet behind them. We provide psychosocial support OF CHILDREN." them to ensure our programmes are relevant and devices. and protection to enable children to build their Tjipke Bergsma, have a lasting effect. Our psychosocial support resilience and develop a more positive attitude managing director War Child Holland interventions - including the music, dance and Thanks to a delivery system which can operate in towards the future. We also provide catch-up theatre-orientated I-DEAL programme - are areas with limited resources, such as electricity education for children who have not been able to designed to enable young people to develop their and internet, Can’t Wait to Learn provides attend school. resilience and innate strengths. Participants learning opportunities for all - even in places in our life-skills interventions and structured where formal education is not available or under recreational activities develop increased self- strain. And the real magic of the programme is confidence and trust in others. this. In Can’t Wait to Learn participating children

12 We are War Child Michaela is not alone in turning her dreams into reality - however far away or impossible they Daniel had walked some 37 kilometres - spending may seem. War Child facilitator Ocen Daniel nearly two months alone in bush country - when Osako spent his fi rst years of life in a loving a truck carrying food items picked him up. “I was home in a small village in Teso, Eastern Uganda. at their mercy, but they were kind and took me “I was living a normal life,” he says. “With along the highway to Lira,” he recalls. Arriving in friends and family around me and a roof over the city, he was dropped off at a primary school my head. My parents were able to give me and - and makeshift settlement camp for internally- my siblings the basic necessities.” displaced people. “I met my relatives here, but they only had time to care for their own children. Forced to fl ee I quickly decided to leave the camp. It was the But one day his world turned upside down. It was most challenging moment in my whole life.” 1999 at the height of civil unrest and political rebellion in Uganda. “I was six years old when we Hungry and weak, Daniel joined the local street fi rst experienced an attack in my village,” Daniel kids. “I feasted in the garbage bin, eating leftovers recalls. “I ran home from school to gather my from restaurants, for almost fi ve years. I became family. No one was there. Our cows and goats violent, overly emotional, a thief; stealing and were looted. My best friend Joshua was killed in causing alarm in Lira town. I had no hope.” the attack.” THE POWER A lifeline All Daniel knew was that he had to get out. “I left When he was ten years old, Daniel was arrested my village and walked for days and days. Along and taken to a nearby child detention centre. the way, I saw the dead bodies of young and old. “A police women told me that there was a I feared greatly for my life; it aff ected me and programme for me. That was my fi rst contact OF GIVING haunted me wherever I went. If I saw soldiers in with War Child,” he remembers. Daniel was to be the distance, or people walking in lines, I would released from the remand home on the condition get frightened and go back into hiding. Every day that he attend War Child training sessions. “What BACK felt like forever.” I loved most was the new friends I made - after

“I WAS SIX YEARS OLD WHEN WE FIRST EXPERIENCED AN ATTACK IN MY MEET: Daniel, War Child Facilitator VILLAGE.”

Meet Daniel - War Child Facilitator 15 losing my dearest one. Boys and girls Daniel joined War Child Holland in shared their stories. I pitied them while 2016. Today, he serves as both a Project we were all in the same boat. Off icer and Team Leader for fl agship projects in Uganda including Can’t “As part of the training I was told to Wait to Learn, DEALS, Little Fellow and set a goal,” he continues. “Something TeamUp. “War Child’s work in Uganda I could achieve within three months. is exceptional,” he says. “Not least I chose to stop stealing and behaving because of the psychosocial support badly.” During this time, Daniel was they provide to children in refugee and re-integrated into school and at night host communities. Most humanitarian he would attend sessions as part of agencies in emergency settings focus our DEALS programme. After class he on material and physical support. This would return home - to a small house is where War Child comes in to fi ll the that he shared with his War Child gap - prioritising emotional stability and trainers Moses and Ayot - to fetch water peace of mind that enables children, and clean the kitchen for the restaurant youth and caregivers to recover and “THE BEAUTY IS they owned. “In return for food and lead a normal life.” And Daniel - at 26 accommodation, I helped them with years old - has his own improvements the restaurant and housework. Life was in mind: “Upon successful completion THAT I WAS ABLE TO good.” Moses and Ayot monitored his of the psychosocial support and life progress during this period. skills training, we need to empower our benefi ciaries economically. This way we REDISCOVER MY OWN At school, Daniel excelled - and even can avoid relapse and give them a real sat his Primary Seven exams early. chance of a better future.” “Throughout all this I reconnected with WORTH AND INNER myself,” he says. “Had it not been for “I HOPE THAT War Child - who supported me to realise what I was worth and capable TONIGHT I WILL TOUCH STRENGTH.” of - I would not be who I am today. I lost YOUR HEARTS AND the friends I met on the street - many THANK YOU FOR turned to gambling and some are now dead. I could have easily gone down YOUR GENEROUS that path.” CONTRIBUTION”

New Beginnings Daniel is passionate about protecting Daniel continues: “Throughout my children in confl ict-aff ected areas from childhood and personal development, any form of harm or abuse. “I was lucky. I have applied what I learned through I came across some good-hearted the War Child DEALS training - how to people who made me realise that I was control my behaviour, solve confl ict and somebody in this world. That there were relate well to adults. The beauty is that people who mattered to me. As a tribute I was able to rediscover my own worth to them, my dream is to make life better and inner strength.” for the next generation."

16 Meet Daniel - War Child Facilitator well as during their journey to Alex was also able to interact The Netherlands. They need the “In their last words together, with others; those who had 15 YEARS time and space to process these Alex’s father asked him to take been through similar horrors. I experiences as well as fi nd care of their family. So, when I have worked in many diff erent structure and feel safe again.” saw Alex, sitting under that tree, refugee camps since I left ON THE FRONTLINE he had just given up on life. I sat Uganda but I have never - and Alex down next to him and asked: will never - forget about Alex. “I fi rst met Alex when I was What did you do before all these Two years ago, I visited him Ernst Suur, Marketing and Fundraising Director working as a social worker in horrible things happened to when I was in the country on a at War Child Holland, got his fi rst taste of NGO a refugee camp in Northern you? He answered: I used to press trip. He now has a family life in 2003… Uganda. He was sitting alone enjoy sports. I invited him to of his own and runs a small under a tree. Just staring ahead. play a game of football with us. education centre. This has “I’ve been a part of War Child for as long as I can He must have only been 16, but Every day we would play and seen him teach more than remember. In fact, I was 21 when my journey began he had seen more than most something wonderful started to 5,000 children to use a in Kosovo. This was followed by mission after adults in his lifetime. Like many happen. We saw Alex transform computer. To me, that is mission, armed confl ict after armed confl ict: Sierra other children in the camp, Alex into a child; a child who was incredible.” Leone, Sudan, Afghanistan, Uganda…” was abducted by Joseph Kony’s laughing again. He became Ernst Suur army. He was forced to become more confi dent and even began Ernst dreams of making sure “In Uganda, I spent a great deal of time at the Barr a child soldier.” to captain the team.” that more children, like Alex, Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp, where will be able to pick up their lives we sought to provide a safe space for children to “LIKE MANY OTHER “EVERY DAY, WE WOULD again. “I know that children play, exercise and dance. It was here I met Alex, a CHILDREN IN THE CAMP, PLAY SOCCER AND - even after experiencing the 16-year-old boy and former child soldier. If you give ALEX WAS ABDUCTED BY SOMETHING WONDERFUL most horrifi c things in life a child a name, it's harder to let go - I know that - JOSEPH KONY'S ARMY.” STARTED TO HAPPEN.” – never give up. I have seen but Alex had too big an impact on me." and listened to them all over “Alex managed to escape after “Don’t get me wrong, you can’t the world and am convinced “I also met my wife in Uganda, with whom I now three months and - in the take traumatic experiences out that War Child can make a have two children. We decided to return to The middle of the bush - he found of a child simply by playing diff erence.” Netherlands – where I was born - to be able to his way back to his family. His football. But sport does have raise the kids in a country at peace. That turned family lived in the refugee camp the potential to support youth out to be quite a challenge - to plant roots here where I was working. After his to regain control, experience after so many years away.” arrival, he really wanted to go joy and be their ‘old’ selves back to school. But they had no again. Through regular matches, “Since the end of 2015, I’ve been running the money to pay for an education. TeamUp project for refugee children in Dutch To make some money, Alex’s asylum reception centres. That year saw the father decided to leave the number of Dutch asylum seekers reach a new camp. He travelled to their peak and, in time, there was talk of a refugee home village so he could sell crisis. I question that phrase. Uganda is hosting one of their cows. The next day, 1.5 million refugees from South Sudan. Any Alex learned that Kony’s army concept of crisis is more appropriate there. Even had ambushed his father. He so, back in 2015, the asylum centres (ASCs) in searched for his dad and when the Netherlands were overcrowded. Many of he found him - battered and the children I encountered came from war-torn bruised - he was dying.” countries where War Child works.” “SO, WHEN I SAW ALEX, “In conversation with UNICEF Netherlands and SITTING UNDER THAT TREE, Save the Children, we came to the conclusion HE HAD JUST GIVEN UP ON that we could do something for them. They had LIFE.” food and shelter but there was little attention Alex & Ernst given to their social and emotional needs. This struck me. These children have almost always experienced harrowing events in war zones as Ernst Suur

18 15 years on the frontline 15 years on the frontline 19 , LET S DRAW...

20 Let's draw 21 A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Daniel Montero Real Age: 25 Country of Birth: Spain The Dutch My Dream: "To be unique." “Coming from a very small town in the north of Spain, I was the weird kid with a natural National Ballet drive towards the arts in a world of football. Getting bullied in school was a given, but that never made me fall in line. Every child and Friends deserves the right environment to realise their passions and unique skills. This will help them to pursue their dreams, which are From all corners of the globe and all walks so much more powerful than their demons. of life. Brought together by dance. In my search for the link between me as an artist and me as a human being, I became an ambassador for Terre des Hommes. It’s also why a night like this one feels very special to me.”

Christian Yav launch a platform with partners that provides a good in the world - what’s right - and standing up My Performance: I Am Enough with Edo Age: 26 safe space - one where we can share our stories for your people, which refl ects the activist in me. Wijnen and Nathan Brhane. Country of Birth: Belgium and learn from each other.” I dedicate this dance to my family. And thank “Singing has been a passion of mine that My Dream: My Performance: them for never stopping in their quest to fi nd me. I’ve somehow felt terrifi ed of sharing. This “To keep being guided by the universe as a Yav, choreographed by Christian Yav. I’m in a process of embracing a new identity. It literally feels like coming out of the closet human and an artist.” can be tough at times but even those moments for a second time. I am using tonight as “Lately I’ve been reconnected with my birth should be celebrated. I hope this performance an incredible opportunity to not hold back “And to hone my craft with the inspiring people mother. For a few months now, I’ve experienced inspires you to be your authentic selves. It’s an anymore. I will be me, and only me, onstage. I’ll meet along the way. I dream of continuing to ‘mother love’ - something I missed out on my honest insight into Christian Yav.” I will sing and move in the rawest way I’ve produce work that questions identity but also whole life. I’ve been learning about my past and found, supported by a little army of great celebrates authenticity. In the future I hope to our last name, Yav. Yav means fi ghting for the artists I can rely on.”

22 The Dutch National Ballet The Dutch National Ballet 23 Jessica Xuan Constantine Allen Age: 24 Age: 26 Country of Birth: Beijing, China Country of Birth: USA

My Dream: "To see the world, meet wonderful people My Dream: “I have been living my dream since I and spread art and kindess." landed my fi rst job eight years ago.”

“I’ve never thought about what life would be like if “I moved away from my family when I was 12 years old. I didn’t dance. But this year, while recovering from It was a diff icult time but I managed to overcome - and injury, I was confronted by that. It's helped me grow work through it - by reminding myself how lucky I was. in ways that I would never have experienced without What was I thankful for? Having good people around a time out. It wasn’t easy. I’d picture myself dancing me and being able to work and train professionally; to again and it felt distant. But I believe Michaela: turn live my dream. We have to focus on what we do have your scars into your strength. I’ve made it this far and rather than dwelling on what we don’t.” I'm grateful for every second of it.” My Performance: 5 Tangos choreographed by My Performance: Hans van Manen. Embers choreographed by Ernst Meisner. No choreographer has had such a commanding “We are dancing a piece called Embers by Ernst infl uence on dance in the Netherlands as Hans van Meisner. It really shows the partnership of music Manen. Of all the Van Manen ballets, 5 Tangos is and dance - how one inspires the other. I hope our arguably the most performed. The choreography performance inspires new generations to see dance - set to fi ve compositions rich in contrast - is a sultry as more than just steps and technique. I hope it duet between the repressed passion of tango and the makes the audience feel something.” cool detachment of classical ballet.

Nathan Brhane Age: 26 Edo Wijnen Country of Birth: The Netherlands Age: 27 Country of Birth: Belgium My Dream: “To live my life to the best of my abilities and to be happy.” My Dream: “To get everything I can out of life.”

“When I was still in school, I started to get shin problems. By “I think we all have those moments in life where ignoring it and not seeking the right treatment, I eventually you get confronted with challenges. I try - with got three stress fractures. After surgery and recovery time every ‘problem’ - not to look at myself from an it seemed to get better. But, to this day, I still have problems outside point-of-view but through my own eyes. with it. The fractures have come back to haunt me over Your gut instinct is never wrong.” the years which has prevented me from dancing to my full ability. It does take its toll on your state of mind. I think My Performance: it’s so important to talk about mental health; to fi nd a safe Latch, choreographed by Peter Leung. space in those around you. After talking to others, and a lot of pep talks from my parents, I’ve managed to do what I love “One of the beauties of art is to escape from those every day. This is how I stay positive and focused.” moments and breathe. So, in contrast with what I just said, I hope to show you a glimpse of how I see My Performance: Embers choreographed by Ernst the world. In this performance - choreographed Meisner by the wonderful Peter Leung - I open my heart “Your dreams are not defi ned by your fl aws. Embers was and share with you the process I go through to get made for Jessica Xuan and me back in 2013 when we both there. As the title suggests, I’ll be accompanied on joined the Junior Company. It will always have a special stage by none other than Sam Smith.” place in my heart.”

24 The Dutch National Ballet The Dutch National Ballet 25 A MOTHER’S INSTINCT

SAM BRANDI SMITH CARLILE

Oscar winning artists don’t have to use their to deal with the consequences of war alone. “This is a David and Goliath story. Since Did you know? Brandi and Sam recorded a voice for good. But that’s exactly what music I’ve seen the value of interventions that focus becoming a mother, the reality of a child’s special duet version of her piano ballad ‘Party of superstar and proud non-binary person Sam on play and creativity - on music - as a means beautiful life being torn apart by war felt like One’ at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. A share of Smith decided to do. In 2017, shortly after an to help children heal and break free from their too big a problem for me.” the proceeds was donated to Children in Confl ict, eye-opening trip to Jordan, the internationally environment. We can stop them from hurting and an organisation that also provides specialist acclaimed singer and songwriter became a we can help them grow up to be kind; to have a In one sentence, we get it. All mothers get it - that support to children aff ected by war. “We hope the Global Ambassador for War Child. purpose; to have hopes and dreams.” uncompromising instinct to protect your child, vulnerability of this song refl ects the fragility of no matter what. “But this isn’t just about children their situation and compels people to support our Since then, the passionate 27-year-old has Who else inspires them? “Michaela, of course,” is it?”, says the seven-times Grammy nominated cause,” said Brandi. been determined to raise awareness of the Sam smiles. “To start life in the way she did and singer, best known for her breakthrough country challenges facing some of the world’s most come out the other side with such grace - both on albums My Story and The Firewatcher’s Daughter. vulnerable children. Sam has witnessed fi rst- and off the stage - this is the resilience that War “It’s about the moms and dads out there who hand the immense strength and resilience of Child believes in. Just like Michaela, my dream was bring them into this world. About the uncles and these young people forced to live in diff icult to become a singer. But I started off in a fortunate aunts that raise them. Just as I am familiar with circumstances. position. This gala is an opportunity to pledge my the need to keep your children from harm, so too allegiance to her. To keep contributing to the work I can appreciate that feeling that you’ve failed “I’ll always remember Mohammed,” they says. that I believe in.” them. These people deserve our support too.” “He was one of the fi rst children I met through War Child. He was 14 years old, a Syrian refugee in “Some time ago, I asked my heroes and friends Jordan and the cheekiest, funniest, most charming to help me launch a rock at the giant that is our young man I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. refugee crisis,” she says, in reference to her 2007 In the short time I spent with him and his family, charity album Cover Stories (for War Child UK) we bonded over our love of music.” and associated not-for-profi t. “More recently, the “It’s also a moment to stop and celebrate what incredible Sam Smith and I came to know one “Mohammed said something that will stay with me we have; how far we’ve come”, they adds while another through our work for Children in Confl ict. forever. He said: ‘Music is like the ocean. It’s so big refl ecting on their own battles. “I’ve spent a It felt only right to use our platforms and music as and so vast that we will never truly understand it. lifetime at war with my gender but recently I took a tool to spotlight the humanitarian organizations It’s so much bigger than us.’” a big step and decided to embrace myself for who we care about. Like I said, this is a big beast, and I am. I’m not interested in self-pity anymore and I one that we can only hope to overcome if we work Through my visits to War Child projects in the feel stronger for it. The children I’ve met through together and help in the only way we know how Central African Republic and The Middle East, I’ve War Child have undoubtedly taught me that.” - through the power of music, dance…the arts. Brandi Carlile seen the positive changes that War Child’s work That’s what I believe we should all take away can create in children’s lives. No child should have from tonight.”

26 Bigger than Us - Sam Smith Mother’s Instinct - Brandi Carlile 27 AN INSEPARABLE BOND LAVINIA MEIJER MIA DEPRINCE BUBBLE OF TIME

Born in South Korea and adopted into a Dutch Love, loss, change, success - it’s hard to think Michaela’s dream was to dance. Mia’s - to make family, Lavinia Meijer is accustomed to exploring of a pair of sisters who have been through so music and sing. “The beauty of our relationship is her identity. “I know what it’s like to question much together. “We were both named ‘Mabinty’, that - through our contrasting personalities - we where you come from,” she says. “But also to feel a so we ended up in the same orphanage,” begins can help each other out,” Mia says. “I’m more laid strong connection to multiple places.” Mia DePrince, looking back on her fi rst days of back. I defi nitely take things more lightly and I’m childhood. The gifted singer/songwriter - also not too hard on myself - which means I’m able to When she picked up a harp aged nine, Lavinia separated from her birth-family in war-torn Sierra support my sister with life on stage.” So what does quickly found her calling. Within two years, Leone - struggled to fi nd hope in the makeshift she tell Michaela when the curtains close? “You she was granted a place in the Young Talent building she and Michaela once called home. can’t take what people say so seriously. I echo this a Department of the Utrecht Conservatory. She But the girls quickly found refuge in each other. lot. It’s easy to forget that when you’re training hard graduated cum laude and then went on to “We became best friends,” smiles Mia. “I couldn’t and right in the thick of it.” And when the tables swoop up a master’s degree in Music from the have got through that time without her.” Lost are turned? Mia may not be hungry for a life in the Amsterdam Conservatory. The rest, is history… and afraid, the two girls found solace in small limelight but - as an emerging blues pianist and moments of escape. “I used to sing lullabies to singer whose style has been compared to Nina Michaela,” she continues. “It brought us comfort Simone - fame may well be her destiny. “If I had my A number of composers - including Carlos in such a dark place”. The two ‘Mabinty’ girls way, I’d stay right where I am,” the quietly confi dent Micháns and Garrett Byrnes - have been so off icially became sisters in June 1999, when they 26-year-old laughs. “I’m not searching for stardom. inspired by her talents that they wrote new music were adopted by the same American family. In a I just want to make music.” especially for her. bid to avoid confusion - but also start over - their adoptive parents changed Is she succeeding? “I guess the more you create their names. The girls art, and the more you send it out into the world, “THIS EVENT continued to do the more prepared you have to be to deal with FEELS CLOSE TO everything together. attention,” she says. And that’s where Michaela, who rose to fame after starring in the 2011 MY HEART“ documentary First Position, has undoubtedly gained her fair share of sister points. “Michaela’s “There’s been many times in my life where I’ve had really fearless,” says Mia. “She has this dream of to take a risk in order to pursue my dreams.” opening a dance school in Sierra Leone. And I know she can do it. She’s asked me to go with her - to “During my study time, I was advised by a coach teach music. But for me, personally, I don’t think that I should focus on one music style. In order to I can.” There’s pain in her eyes. “It’s the idea of stand out, I had to specialise. I felt the pressure but having to go back…” by facing up to it, I realised that the harp already was my specialism. Even more so, it was the only Mia admires her sister’s determination. “I applaud way forward so that I could use my own curiosity Michaela for having the courage to return to a place to guide and shape my dream of making the harp where we have nothing but bad memories,” she more well-known - and showing its diversity - as a says. “I’m incredibly thankful for what I have now – solo instrument. From then on, my dream became a loving family, great friends, a beautiful home - that reality.” Tonight, expect to be hypnotized by I’m constantly aware of jeopardising it all.” We can’t a stunning performance of Bubbles argue with that. But someone can… “Michaela likes And is there anything she hopes to get out of - a silky harp solo about the bubble to challenge me. She’s good at that. I think siblings tonight? “Not just this gala, but also in many other in general are really good at that.” So, never say areas, War Child is doing such important work. I of time, written and composed by never? Mia grins: “I know Michaela too well. I know want to spread the word through my music. I feel Lavinia Meijer. A War Child Holland she’s going to trick me into going with her.” very honoured that Michaela DePrince invited me regular, we can’t wait to have her to perform here tonight and let’s hope this evening grace the stage once again. will lead to a surge in awareness and support for Mia and Michaela will bring tonight’s event the work of War Child.” to a close with a very special performance. 28 Bubble of Time - Lavinia Meijer 29 EDWIN VINKE SOENIL BAHADOER

Edwin Vinke has always been inspired by creating a dining experience that feels like Growing up as a Hindustani boy, Soenil - Patron Chef of home. And where is home for him? “Zeeland, born and bred,” he confi rms. “A land of restaurant De Lindehof in Neunen - knows how hard it can dykes where nature is still untouched.” It’s also the home of Vinke’s culinary be to get opportunities in life. He counts himself lucky to be treasure and two Michelin Star bistro Kromme Watergang, which brings able to do what he loves every day. That’s why he employs this natural ethos to life. “Our sea-shaped landscape of polders, dunes young immigrants at the Michelin Star eatery that he calls and the North Sea still moves me today.” home. “Education or experience is secondary,” he says. “My dream is to conquer the world with vegetable food.” “Motivation and passion can take you all the way.”

“IF WE ALL - SINGERS, ARTISTS, CHEFS, “YOU DON’T HAVE TO KNOW DANCERS, MARKETERS, SUPPLIERS, IT ALL - YOU HAVE TO WANT VOLUNTEERS - JOIN FORCES, WE CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE.” TO KNOW IT ALL!”

And Edwin - alongside his wife, who is also the interior designer Soenil gets his inspiration from everything that life has to for the seasonal seafood restaurant they built together - places off er: music, fi lms, art and fashion. But also fellow chefs, great value on his surroundings. “I have the sea, fresh air and travel and, above all, his childhood; a connection to his peace on my doorstep. Many aren’t granted that luxury.” And what roots. Herbs and spices - “no tightly balanced quantities or about his dreams? “Every person has the right to dream a little,” he compositions” - make his dishes truly unique. “My mother’s says. “Including all the children that War Child works for. My dream kitchen is so beautiful, I grew up with it. At parties my is to conquer the world with vegetable food – food based only on parents would make pumpkin, potato made with a grater, vegetables - so that more and more people start eating it. We curry, roti and chutneys - sometimes for 250 guests. I will soon be launching a whole line of vegetable products remember that everyone ate everything, with their hands, under the name Ka’root - food that is accessible to and licking their fi ngers. Not one crumb was left. everyone. I believe that high-end chefs should take Surely an experience worth sharing?” responsibility for this and experiment with vegan and vegetarian dishes in a creative way.”

WHAT WE DO we provide guidance to help REFUGEE Through our fl agship participants fi nd a suitable job programme, Re-Start, we that matches their skillset. off er participants professional COMPANY work experience and a strong DARE TO DREAM network. We also support them On this special night, we are in learning the Dutch language, delighted to introduce you to a WHO WE ARE personal development and handful of our refugees on the Refugee Company connects refugees in the wellbeing. Our current Re- Re-Start programme – your Netherlands to Dutch companies and supports Start programme is specifi cally waiters for the evening. We them in setting up their own business. We inspire for those with an interest in invite you to get to know them. everyone to be open to the talents of people the hospitality industry. In Every one of our employees with a refugee background and to contribute to our restaurant, participants has a powerful story to tell and their search for a meaningful life. Our mission collaborate with experienced is making huge steps towards is to speed up integration by supporting people locals. A Beautiful Mess is a building a new life in a new with a refugee background to be socially and safe space where we celebrate country. It is a great pleasure to economically independent. diversity. After the programme, have them onboard.

30 Back to our Roots - Edwin VInke Back to our Roots - Soenil Bahadoer 31 ADVISORY GROUP Five powerful women who continue to support the work of War Child Holland. We thank them for their advisory role throughout the Dare to Dream journey. It is their expertise that helped us make this event a success.

“I initiated Girls Not Brides in 2011, with the aim to create a world without child marriage. Every year, 12 million girls are forced to marry before the age of 18. That’s a newly-wed girl almost every two seconds. Child marriage is not only a terrible violation of human rights, but also an impediment to poverty eradication and gender equality. WILLEMIJN VERLOOP CHRISTINE DOEKSEN FOUNDING PARTNER OF SOCIAL FUNDRAISER AND Take the situation of Syrian refugees as an IMPACT VENTURES AND PHOTOGRAPHER example. In pre-war Syria, child marriage rates SOCIAL ENTERPRISE NL were around 13 percent; that is, 13 percent of all girls were married by age 18. Among the refugees, these rates seem to have grown – and even tripled or quadrupled in some places. With no schooling MY DREAM: “PEACE FOR ALL.“ MY DREAM: “TO TRAVEL available and sexual violence rampant, parents ABROAD AND HELP THE fear for the safety of their daughters and consider “To contribute to a peaceful society we need CHILDREN IN WAR ZONES child marriage the best option. Similarly, marrying to help build a ‘generation peace’. That was my off your daughter means one less mouth to feed in mission at the start of War Child. Inspired by the THAT NEED US MOST.“ the family. work of Professor and Composer Nigel Osborne, we started War Child as a group of volunteers, “A good friend of mine mentioned that my My decades-long involvement with War Child organising music workshops for kids in Bosnia knowledge and help could be valuable to War and now also with Girls Not Brides has taught Herzegovina. These workshops centred around Child. It is an organisation that has long been me that there is too little attention for the special peacebuilding and psychosocial support for known to me. I am very happy to be able to challenges of adolescents in confl ict-aff ected children from diff erent ethnic backgrounds. support with the Dare to Dream event. Michaela areas and volatile settings. You can’t treat these Music is the universal language that every child DePrince is the ultimate proof of never giving up girls as if they are big children – and also not as if speaks. It knows no borders. The results of our on your dreams. Perseverance – in the toughest they are mini-adults. Adolescents in humanitarian fi rst activities were exceptional so we decided of times – is a great example for other children situations need secondary education, sexual and to scale-up and build a network of like-minded and adults alike. I admire her greatly and feel that reproductive health services focusing on their organisation. We set out to prove that our peace by organising this event we can all learn how to PRINCESS MABEL realities and psychosocial support that is tailor- building methodologies can bring about positive turn despair into something positive. OF ORANGE-NASSAU made for the brains of traumatised teenagers. change in the lives of children in war zones. We can’t give up hope. I believe that children Photo: Marc de Groot I am proud and excited that War Child Dare to Dream is exceptional because it’s need to be off ered something diff erent – music, Netherlands is trying to ensure that young girls organised by a child who has lived through war. drawing or art, just as War Child does. They get such specialised support, even in the most Michaela is an amazing role model for children all might be positively triggered and fi nd a way out. MY DREAM: “A WORLD IN challenging of places. War Child Champion over the world in confl ict-aff ected circumstances. This is a huge operation, of infi nite scale, but – WHICH ALL GIRLS AND WOMEN, Michaela was off ered a lifeline – and made her Most importantly, we need to give children the by continuing to raise awareness and funds - REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY dreams a reality. Don’t all girls, regardless of where feeling that they matter; that their lives and their I am confi dent that War Child can increase it's they are born or live, deserve the same chance? future matters. We cannot fulfi l all their dreams reach.” ARE BORN OR LIVE, CAN ENJOY but we can make sure they have the tools and the THEIR RIGHTS AND LIVE HAPPY Thank you in advance for your help in making confi dence to jump if an opportunity arises. This this happen.” way they can rebuild their lives and contribute to AND HEALTHY LIVES.“ a peaceful society.”

32 Advisory Group Advisory Group 33 OUR SPONSORS DARE TO DREAM

War Child supports hundreds of thousands of children around the world each year – but we don’t carry out our mission alone. We’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of our sponsors who contributed generously to this event. Without you, Dare to Dream just wouldn’t be possible.

COLETTE CLOOSTERMAN- ELINE DAEMEN AMBASSADOR, SOMERSET VAN EERD CAPITAL PARTNERS CHIEF CUSTOMER OFFICER FOUNDATION AT JUMBO SUPERMARKETS

MY DREAM: “A WORLD WHERE MY DREAM: “THAT MORE WE PAY MORE GENUINE CHILDREN CAN GROW UP IN A ATTENTION TO EACH OTHER.“ SAFE AND FREE ENVIRONMENT, SO THAT THEY HAVE THE “My husband is one of the members of the OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE Supervisory Board of War Child. Since his active participation for this cause, I’ve got to know the THEIR TALENTS.“ organisation very well. They do amazing work for children who have seen and been through horrifi c “I am aware of the fact that my children grow situations and therefore deserve all the help they up in circumstances where freedom and a safe can get to shape a bright future again. environment are self-evident. That’s not the same for everyone. I fi rst came into contact with War Dare to Dream is a stunning event led by a Child at Marco Borsato’s concert in the Carré beautiful cause that is embodied in Michaela Theatre. That evening - full of music, dance and DePrince’s story. To not give up hope and see her fi lms about the story of War Child - had a huge dreams come true is very inspiring. impact on me and my family.

The challenge is to ensure that stories like This experience has made me aware of the Michaela’s reach countries that do not have to important work of War Child and has increased live through war every day. Making sure that the my desire to use my knowledge and work with voices of these children are heard and cherished. my network to support children in armed confl ict. I wish everyone the ability to keep on dreaming So that they can feel like a child again and and to never give up, no matter how diff icult your experience love and friendship. It is important to situation. raise awareness and remind the world that ‘the circumstances you were born into do not defi ne I’m very glad to have been able to help with this you.’ I think tonight demonstrates that perfectly. I event and hope we can achieve great impact hope my modest contribution will help Michaela tonight. Dreams can - and do - come true!” realise her dream so that she is able to give RONTLINE something back to War Child." RIGGING & MOTION

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