"Particularly recommended viewing for those who are concerned about the intersection of child development and public policy." Wendy Highby, University of Northern Colorado, Educational Media Reviews Online

But is that just the Mayor's dream? In this episode of Early Life, the Mayor tours his native Peru to discover how kids are being shortchanged: from the jungle city of Iquitos to the Andes mountains once wracked by political violence. Amilcar visits children who live in a floating favela - where he needs a police bodyguard - finds kids working city streets at midnight, and meets victims of a war over before they were born.

How much poverty, stress and violence can kids be exposed to without incurring real mental damage?

The other program in this series is:

2. In the Mayor's Footsteps - Brazil - Mayor Amilcar Huancahuari visits Brazil to assess efforts to promote early childhood development there.



Grade Level: 7-12, College, Adult
US Release Date: 2011     Copyright Date: 2011
DVD ISBN: 1-93777-200-4

Reviews "This video presents a vivid snapshot of the unmistakable difficulties for children growing up in a society shattered by decades of turbulence. Viewers will recognize that for some children around the world, the challenges are universal. This film is a sensitive treatment of the value of a solid start in life and the importance of the early years. Mayor Huancahuari's hopeful outlook is commendable. With the lessons he has learned from his visits, the Mayor can make positive changes that will re-shape the political future of his province." 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 "Mayor Amilcar Huancahurai is a refreshingly unique figure, a politician who puts children first. Director Steve Bradshaw has created an upbeat film documenting the Mayor's quest to end the cycle of violence, and to create safe, loving, and nurturing environments for children. The DVD would support courses in family studies, policy studies, social work, and education. The documentary should be viewed by those with an interest in the provision of social services to children and families, and it is particularly recommended viewing for those who are concerned about the intersection of child development and public policy." Wendy Highby, University of Northern Colorado, Educational Media Reviews Online