Inspiring Videos of Service to Humanity
published 9/16/18; updated 8/3/22
Continuing the popular series of Video Playlists for Teachers and Teacher Trainers, here are a variety of individuals who are helping alleviate severe problems in the world, in some cases risking their lives to do so.
Teachers, please note: With such a multicultural audience teaching young children through adults, I can’t guarantee that all of the videos will be appropriate for your particular context. I’ve put brief descriptions to help you choose, but please preview anything you plan to share with your students.
(Personally, I'd consider most of these appropriate for adults or mature teens. If you teach younger kids, you may prefer the playlist of Inspiring Videos of Young People Serving the World.)
Former Refugee’s Video Game Promotes Peace
Lual Mayen developed a video game based on his own experiences as a refugee from South Sudan. Purchases of food, water, and medicine in the game provide real-life support to people living in refugee camps. More information at junubgames.com
Chowberry App Prevents Food Waste in Nigeria
When he was growing up, Oscar Eponimo's family struggled with food insecurity. Now he helps other impoverished families through his Chowberry app, which connects NGOs with supermarkets that have excess food nearing the expiration date.
Teacher Helps Turn Teens from "Problems" Into "Solutions"
In a remote Arctic village facing a youth suicide crisis, Maggie MacDonnell teaches her students resilience and self-belief through projects that contribute to the community in meaningful ways.
Priest Helps Colombia’s Vulnerable Children
Father Gabriel helps street children, child soldiers, and children sentenced to prison.
Art Teacher Protects Children in the UK
Andria Zafirakou uses art and textile design to help students with limited English skills realize their potential; she also keeps an eye on them after school to help protect them from gangs.
Supporting Vulnerable Children in Romania
When he was growing up, Valeriu Nicolae was discriminated against because his family is Roma. Now he provides an education for the very poorest and most vulnerable children in Romania.
Fighting for the Rights of Fellow Children
Iqbal Masih escaped from bonded labor and dedicated his life to saving other 'carpet kids.'
From Debt Slave to Child Rights Fighter
This is a a brief animated film telling the real-life story of Kewal, another debt slave.
Risking His Life to Protect Vulnerable Children
Murhabazi Namegabe and his organization BVES have freed thousands of child soldiers and girls who have been sexually assaulted by armed groups, and have taken care of more than 4,000 unaccompanied refugee children.
Rescuing Girls from Slave Labor and Trafficking
Cecilia Flores-Oebanda of Visayan Forum has rescued tens of thousands of girls.
Getting Children Out of Prison
Indira Ranamagar and Prisoners Assistance Nepal have rescued over a thousand children who were living in cramped, dirty prisons after their parents were arrested.
Former Gang Members Become Artists
Father Greg Boyle started Homeboy Industries to help former gang members in the poorest parish in Los Angeles. This video gives background on the organization and a project by artist Nancy Baker Cahill to help the former gang members express themselves and share their experiences through an exhibit of their artwork.
Former Gang Leaders Unite to End Violence
In Cape Town’s notorious ganglands, former gangsters are trying to reduce arm violence. They encourage gang members to stop gun violence and find peaceful alternatives.
“Feeding the Hungry, Nourishing the Soul”
Narayanan Krishnan gave up a career as a chef to provide "physical and mental nutrition" to starving members of his community.
Songs of Comfort for the Dying
Volunteers join a ‘Threshold Choir’ to provide comfort and companionship at the end of life.
Related Posts
There are many more video playlists and resources on community and compassion here at MindfulTeachers.org, including the following posts: