Film and Study Guide
Can we really make a difference in the world? This film will remove all doubts.
Documentary Film
The 2001 film "Journey to Kapasseni - A Refugee's Gift"
documents the incredible journey made by the Alfazemas and the volunteers
who accompanied them. In 1999, joined by several Canadian friends, Joseph
and Perpetua Alfazema travel to Mozambique to take a seemingly impossible
trip over rough roads and mine-laden countryside to their home village
of Kapasseni. The journey leads all of the travellers on an experience
of a lifetime, as they help to bring a depressed, war-torn village back
to life.
"Journey to Kapasseni" was produced by Victoria film
maker Bill Weaver and filmed by Ben Fox. To buy a copy, contact Shivon
Robinsong at
(250) 386-3181 or email sr@shivon.com.
Study Guide
In response to a plea from the village chief, Joseph and Perpetua organise
a successful grass-roots fundraising effort. Soon, they make the treacherous
return to Kapasseni, with the supplies for volunteers to build a school
in this remote African village. The effect on both the villagers and the
volunteers is remarkable. It is a delightful, provocative story that offers
heart and hope for viewers of all ages.
The gifts of this trip go both ways, as the travellers from Victoria are
deeply affected by the values of simplicity, community, and capacity for
joy that the villagers exude. They also gain an important perspective
on the contributions of refugees to Canadian society. The study guide
is intended to help teachers and facilitators to develop materials and
help students conduct research and investigations. Discussion questions,
activities, and projects have been included.
We encourage educators to feel free to adapt, change or modify activities
according to the needs and ages of your students. Teacher-specific sections
are identified by a giraffe icon, and student-specific sections by a rhino
icon. Included in the guide, you will find:
- Exercises on issues facing immigrants and refugees
- Materials on the experience of crossing cultures
- International co-operation: building a community-to-community project
- Information on the effects of war on a community
- Examples of youth participation in international community development
- The story of the miraculous transformation of a village through co-operation, goodwill and a focus on education
