Social distancing and staying at home does not mean disconnecting from the rest of the world. In some ways, the COVID-19 has brought the world closer as countries are united in their goal to tackle the spread of the virus, through the sharing of information and best practices.

While it is a challenging time for us, in the developed world, it is not too difficult for most of us to practice good hand hygiene, telecommute and seek medical treatment.  

However, for millions around the world, this is not the case. 
 
Millions of people and children around the world can’t protect themselves because they are cramped together in refugee camps. They can’t protect themselves because they’ve been denied clean water and soaps, because of their geographic location, violence or unequal opportunities. Many cannot afford to go under quarantine or risk losing their only source of income and food for the family when they are living from hand to mouth. 
 
When you are staying at home, we recommend you catch these movies and explore another world where poverty, gender inequality and conflict are forcing many children to live in survival mode - with or without any COVID-19 pandemic. 

Don’t miss the chance to exercise the power you have to transform the lives of vulnerable children when you support World Vision’s work around the world. 
 

1. Dukale's Dream

Dukale’s Dream stars Hugh Jackman, an ambassador for World Vision and the friendship, camaraderie and lessons he learnt from an Ethiopian coffee farmer, Dukale. The docu-movie is angled to educate and shed light on the reality of coffee farmers and the real impact and difference fair-trade will make in the lives of the hardworking farmers and their families. 

Watch as Hugh walks in the shoes of these coffee farmers with Dukale, working in the farm and planting coffee seedlings; an experience that will ignite a fire within Hugh, spurring him to make a real impact on Dukale’s life and those like him. Dukale’s Dream represents the voice of million farmers and other vulnerable individuals struggling to feed their families and the contrast between their realities and ours.

Available on: Amazon and iTunes

Parent’s Rating*: Suitable for children aged 10 and above.

Learn more about World Vision’s Economic Livelihood Interventions

2. Living on One Dollar

Living on One Dollar follows four friends as they immerse themselves into the lives of those in poverty. As its title, these four young men live on less than $1 a day for 2 months in rural Guatemala. The first-hand experience these four men undergo will bring you face to face with the daily struggles millions of other go through, without the hope or privilege of leaving this reality or escaping their struggles. Watch as these men encounter parasites, hunger, bad weather, a series of difficult decisions as well as the warmth and heart of the locals as they battle in solidarity against poverty. 

Available on: Amazon, Google Play Store and iTunes
Parent’s Rating*: Suitable for children aged 10 and above
Learn more about World Vision’s Child Sponsorship Programme

3. Girl Rising 

Females, worldwide, tend to face discrimination regardless of where they live. However, this prejudice is all the more intensified in developing countries. In Girl Rising, journey with girls from Cambodia, Haiti, Nepal, Ethiopia, India, Peru, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan as they face female discrimination head-on and struggle for freedom, education while fighting against culture, tradition and or child marriage, poor facilities, geographic isolation. Understand the real restrictions, challenges and fears girls have to live by; silenced by culture, tradition and the need for survival. 

Available on: Google Play Store and iTunes
Parent’s Rating*: Suitable for children aged 12 and above
Learn more about World Vision’s Child Sponsorship Programme

4. On the Way to School 

Follow children as they take us on their journey to school, a journey that will put our grumbles and complaints about education to shame. Watch as these children fight for their right to attain an education and do everything they can to ensure they receive it; even if it means trekking for hours, avoiding animal encounters and possible injuries. This film brings to light the everyday journey vulnerable children embark on, simply to learn and to be better, something we take for granted every day.

Available on: Google Play Store, Amazon and iTunes
Parent’s Rating*: Suitable for children aged 10 and above. 
Learn more about World Vision’s Education works

5. Beasts of No Nation

Every day, children in war-torn or poor countries have to face the nightmare of being forced into being a child soldier, a reality brought to life in this movie. Following the life of nine-year-old Agu, Beasts of No Nation brings you on a heartbreaking journey that children are forced to undergo. 
Learn about the sacrifices, tortures and abuse Agu and children like him are forced to face to cling on to his life. Beasts of No Nation also paints a picture of how war and conflict drastically alter the lives of the poor and innocent. 

Available on: Netflix 
Parent’s Rating*: Suitable for those aged 18 and above 
Learn more about World Vision’s Children in Crisis interventions

6. Queen of Katwe 

Based on a true story, Queen of Katwe will bring you on an incredible journey of perseverance, integrity, teamwork and hope. Journey with Phiona as she is presented with the opportunity of a lifetime to help lift her family out of poverty; away from a life of fetching water, food insecurity, selling maize, homelessness and illiteracy. Watch her persevere against the odds and rise above the odds. 

Available on: Google Play Store and iTunes 
Parent’s Rating*:  Suitable for those aged 10 and above 
Learn more about World Vision’s Child Sponsorship Programme

*Parents rating for these movies is derived from Common Sense Media, an independent site that reviews and rates the suitability of media for children.