"Explains the connection between exposure to violence and brain development." Mary Jane Eisenhauer, Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education, Purdue University North Central

Outside Sao Luis, Amilcar finds the sons and daughters of shrimp fishermen learning ballet. In the hills beyond Fortaleza he learns how the playground can become a classroom. In the drug favelas of Rio, he sees the classroom turned into a playground for learning.

Mayor Amilcar also journeys to the Modernist capital, Brasilia, to discuss his trip with the Minister for Human Rights. Will he find enough exciting ideas to help the kids back home in Peru?

The other program in this series is:

1. In the Mayor's Footsteps - Peru - Mayor Amilcar Huancahuari is trying to convert his native Peru to his optimistic philosophy of promoting early childhood development.



Grade Level: 7-12, College, Adult
US Release Date: 2011     Copyright Date: 2011
DVD ISBN: 1-93777-201-2

Reviews "It is mesmerizing to watch the Mayor as he interacts with the children and families in Brazil as his genuine interest in their stories is so clear. This video explains the connection between exposure to violence and brain development, with an appearance from Professor Jack Shonkoff of Harvard University. Throughout his travels in Brazil, the Mayor explores innovative approaches to education, learning and socialization. The video shows children at work and play, demonstrating the tactics that the Brazilian government and communities are using and that the Mayor finds so remarkable. Viewers will witness a juxtaposition of the joyful children who are revered and the effects of violence, poverty, and economic disparities." Mary Jane Eisenhauer, Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education, Purdue University North Central "These powerful films focus on the all too often ignored fact that growing up in poverty, with the high levels of domestic and community violence that often accompany it, can profoundly impact early development. Inspirational Mayor Amilcar Huancahuari of Peru takes us on a heartfelt journey looking at how violence affects young children in his country. Then, he explores groundbreaking programs designed to counteract the harm caused by the violence in the lives of poor children in Brazil that he hopes to bring back to Peru. Anyone who sees these deeply moving films will be more highly motivated and better equipped to promote political, economic and social justice for children, in their own communities and around the world." Dr. Diane E. Levin, Professor of Education, Wheelock College, Author, Teaching Young Children in Violent Times "Promoting Mayor Huancahuari's plans for a future where children have the opportunity to fulfill their highest potential, both DVDs are uplifting and very highly recommended, especially for public and school library DVD collections." The Midwest Book Review "The Mayor is a positive role model because of his unshakeable resolve to break the cycle of violence. His intent to shape public policy to create safe, loving, and nurturing environments for children is laudable. The DVD supports curriculum in family studies, policy studies, social work, and education. The documentary would be helpful to those with an interest in the provision of social services to children and families; it is particularly recommended viewing for those who are concerned about public policy with regard to children's rights and healthy development." Wendy Highby, University of Northern Colorado, Educational Media Reviews Online