"Rainmakers" is a series that tells the inspiring story of six youth leaders from around the world who have overcome difficult personal situations to take control of their lives and help others.
Rena Mcleod is an aboriginal mother of two living in Winnipeg, Canada. As a baby she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Because she couldn't walk in the morning, she was teased at school. When she started skipping school she got in trouble at home. As a teenager she rebelled and was finally put in a juvenile institution called Knowles Center.
It was at Knowles Center that she came into contact with a member of the staff, a Native woman named Vicky Whitehead, who taught her to be proud of her heritage. Now Rena is a youth leader in Winnipeg, and helped organize a youth justice symposium there, attended by 500 young people. She's part of a nationwide movement trying to unite aboriginal people to work together to create an equitable justice system that does not discriminate against Native people.
The other titles in the series are:
Razvan Marcu in Romania - After Ceausescu, Razvan Marcu now fights for a clean environment.
Ramiro Garcia in Peru - Social change is possible through the arts and humor.
Victor "Gotti" Cherry in New York - A former gang leader now works with troubled youth.
Shakuntala Kazmi in India - A low-caste Hindu, Shakuntala Kazmi fights for women's rights.
Jongsada Suwanchondee in Thailand - HIV-positive, a former heroin addict helps others understand AIDS.
Grade Level: 7-12, College, Adult
US Release Date: 1998
Copyright Date: 1997
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-360-9
VHS ISBN: 1-56029-740-9
Reviews
"All six videos feature well-selected historical footage, lively action, and, above all, engaging heroes who have much to show to young people. This series demonstrates to teenage viewers that individuals can make a difference and there are ways they, too, can get involved in their own communities." MultiCultural Review
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