PIONEERS OF HOPE
Join the De Cherisseys and their five children in a remarkable 14-month journey as they visit the far corners of the world. They meet local heroes, ordinary people working to improve the world around them, devoting their lives to battling poverty, violence, pollution and famine.
Episode 1: Latin America
Suzana, “Hero of the planet” (Time Magazine), has developed a new method for replanting the deforested areas of Brazil through the involvement of the poor surrounding population. Universities from around the world study and learn from her methods.
In the last 10 years, Rodrigo has introduced a network of 800 computer schools that have trained over 500,000 young Brazilians living in the slums of the country.
Fabio has developed a revolutionary method for delivering electricity to the 1 billion of the poorest families of world.
Ercilia is a former businesswoman and bank manager. She left her career in order to launch a new company whose aim was to create jobs for the poorest peoples of the region. Currently, over 1000 companies around the world share her goal.
Episode 2: Peru
Like thousands of young girls from the Andean Villages, Josefina’s background is that of a slave. She promotes a multidirectional solution for fighting for the rights of her peers. She addresses the critical human rights issues facing children in the region.
Albina has developed a revolutionary approach for cleaning Lima and other major cities in Peru where 2/3 of the rubbish produced by the population is not treated daily. Albina initiates micro-enterprises that are owned and operated by extremely impoverished individuals. These individuals are able to earn steady incomes by collecting and sorting the garbage whilst also providing a much-needed public service.
Episode 3: USA
Dick addresses the critical issue of racial tensions in urban areas. His model has been introduced in 14 cities so far, and serves as a possible solution to a problem plaguing cities throughout the world.
Jeff has launched a revolutionary and profitable business model for offering health care and social protection to the poorest elements of society. By promoting prevention, he helps insurance companies ultimately save money. This is a solution for millions of poor people who are left unprotected by society from the dangers of accidents and illness.
Episode 4:Thailand
One of the most famous TV producers in Thailand, Weera promotes a new approach to TV programmes that empowers children and teenagers through education; a promising concept that seeks to make TV a partner in the education of the youth.
Pisit helps local rural communities fight against poverty and protect their rights against unfair industrial competitors and practices. Pisit’s approach is a fair alternative for millions of communities around the world that allows individuals to develop their own incomes while their communities create a strong economy.
Episode 5:India
Doctor V has developed a sustainable model for providing free treatment for poor people being blinded by cataracts. He has already operated on over 2 million people. Behind this approach, there is a revolutionary model for a new capitalism that is both profitable and serves the poor.
Laxman is a poor, uneducated villager who has developed a system bringing water to 700,000 families in the Rajasthan desert. The World Bank sees this as a major solution to the water problems facing the region and has selected his approach.
Episode 6:Africa
Joseph grew up in a very poor slum and has dedicated himself to bringing democracy to Kenya and other African countries.
After the genocide of the late 1990’s, three friends from the three warring tribes in Rwanda initiated solutions promoting reconciliation within the country.
In Tanzania Martin
fights to protect his own Massai tribesmen from the critical issues they face such as land rights and cultural differences, by building bridges between tradition and modernity. His approach is influencing other traditional communities such as the Aboriginal tribes in Australia.
Episode 7:China/Russia
China has the highest female suicide rate in the world. Wu Qing is internationally known as a leading activist and fighter for women’s rights.
Sarah promotes grassroots democracy and initiatives in Siberia.