Survivor' Guide to Growing Up 2
SERIES FOR THE BBC - 8 x 23-minutes

This is the second series of the incredibly succcessful BBC World series of "Survivor's Guide to Growing Up". The series takes a look at what it takes to survive childhood. These are very personal stories of children who have often experienced difficult and painful situations, plus their hopes and their fears for the future. They’re also uplifting – these are the people who made it and their stories serve as examples to others. Each film gives a detailed look at our survivor’s life to build a character of interest and sympathy. The programme examines all aspects of their lives, including their family, work, school, and their community. Each story is the starting point for exploring much bigger issues.

The Queen and the Carpet Girl
23-minutes, 2008
Ref: 632

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Across Morocco thousands of children are forced into virtually slave labour every year, working long hours for little pay in often dangerous conditions. We met one ten year old girl, Khadija, and follows her remarkable story. When she was just five years old she worked long days in a carpet factory but was rescued by UNICEF workers and now enjoys an education that will transform her life. We were also there when Khadija met one of the champions of children’s rights, Queen Rania of Jordan, when she was on a trip to Morocco.

Teenage Mums
23-minutes, 2008
Ref: 649

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For many girls around the world motherhood comes all too quickly – and often it can be dangerous. Complications from pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of death among teenage girls in developing countries. We went to India, where many girls marry early and have several children before they are 20. The programme also examines the situation in the UK, which has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancies in Europe. This film looks at the girls’ experiences and the contrast in maternal care available in Europe and Asia.

Killer on the Doorstep
23-minutes, 2008
Ref: 650

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A new and largely fatal disease is emerging in Asia. It has already bought devastation to many families. Experts predict it could be the start of the next worldwide pandemic. In four out of five cases, bird flu, or Avian Flu, is fatal. The worst hit country is Indonesia where we met Suci a young girl whose mother died of bird flu. In 2006, like every year, her family gathered to celebrate the Muslim holy day of Eid-ul-Adhia, and while preparing a chicken for the family meal, Suci’s mother contracted avian flu. Within days she was dead. We follow Suci and her family as they attempt to rebuild their lives, and follow their struggle to cope when her brother Arif also catches the disease. 

Hungry for Change
23-minutes, 2008
Ref: 651

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The former French colony of Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world. Life expectancy is just 44 and infant mortality, according to the UN, is the second highest in the world. One in five children die before they are five years old. Niger also suffers from a poor education system, poor access to contraception and an extremely high rate of teenage pregnancy. It really is a fight for survival – but there are signs that is beginning to change. Centres to help advise people on how to make the best of food are being developed – but what impact will they have? “Survivor’s Guide” finds out by following a young woman and her baby girl as they endure the daily struggle to find enough to eat. 

Newborn Survival
23-minutes, 2008
Ref: 652

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Birth is a treacherous business, especially in Africa where every year up to half a million babies die on the day they are born. Evelyn Katunge, from Kenya, knows about the heartbreak of losing babies. She was just 18 when she gave birth. She had no idea she was carrying twins. They died hours after being born. There were complications with the birth and there was no effective healthcare. But that is beginning to change. Pioneering programmes are being introduced to prevent similar tragedies. “Survivor’s Guide” tells Evelyn’s story and looks at the work of experts like Dr. Abhay Bang in India, who has developed new methods of support and help for mothers not just in Africa but around the world.

The Nurse Next Door
23-minutes, 2008
Ref: 653

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Esther Bokawurkin is a real survivor. She lives in a remote village in southern Nigeria and it’s not just that she has 12 children, but when she was younger she was infected by the parasitic worm that causes river blindness. She was one of the lucky ones and made a full recovery but many of her friends and neighbours did not and they went blind. “Survivor’s Guide” tells Esther’s story and, because there is such a shortage of qualified doctors and nurses, she is helping by becoming a health volunteer trained to dispense drugs. Volunteers like Esther are starting to make a real difference to the health of people in isolated communities where there is virtually no access to proper healtcare.

A Sporting Chance
23-minutes, 2008
Ref: 654

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Esther Bokawurkin is a real survivor. She lives in a remote village in southern Nigeria and it’s not just that she has 12 children, but when she was younger she was infected by the parasitic worm that causes river blindness. She was one of the lucky ones and made a full recovery but many of her friends and neighbours did not and they went blind. “Survivor’s Guide” tells Esther’s story and, because there is such a shortage of qualified doctors and nurses, she is helping by becoming a health volunteer trained to dispense drugs. Volunteers like Esther are starting to make a real difference to the health of people in isolated communities where there is virtually no access to proper healtcare.

Forced Labour
23-minutes, 2008
Ref: 655

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We follow a personal story of one girl from Moldova who was tricked into being a sex slave in western Europe. Migration is one of the key themes of modern times, as more and more people leave their own countries to find work and an income. More people are on the move today than at any time in history. Half of them are women. Often they are exploited and forced into prostitution or slave labour. If they do manage to escape and make their way home, life for them is often far from easy. Aside from the trauma and the stigma, their families and communities don’t always welcome them with open arms. If they come home empty handed or in debt they are often rejected – or worse, exploited by their own people. This usually happens outside the law and the women have little or no redress. “Survivor’s Guide” looks at the plight of women who have often been abused or badly treated both abroad and at home.