In 2011, I worked with Loyola Productions Inc., as a videographer for two documentaries profiling the 2011 Opus Prize Winners. In September I traveled with the LPI crew to Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa to help document the organization, Heal Africa, an NGO that “works to transform individuals and communities shattered by the atrocities and gender violence associated with the war that has been raging for more than 15 years.” Lyn Lusi, the co-founder and Program Director for Heal Africa was the 2011 $1 million Opus Prize Winner.

In October I traveled with the LPI crew to Filadelfia, Brazil to help document the agricultural cooperative, Association of Small Rural Producers of Jacare, whose “original purpose . . .  was to promote educational, cultural and social activities in the towns and the surrounding farms, but in a few short years, the Association morphed into a small economic engine that is slowly raising the standard of living of its members.” Sister Rita Rodrigues Pessoa, a Religious Sister of the Sacred Heart of Mary and one of the founders of the cooperative, was one of the 2011 $100,000 Opus Prize Recipients.

(From OpusPrize.org) “The Opus Prize is given annually to recognize unsung heroes of any faith tradition, anywhere in the world, solving today’s most persistent social problems. This $1 million faith-based humanitarian award and two $100,000 awards are collectively one of the world’s largest faith-based, humanitarian awards for social innovation.

“Opus Prize winners combine an entrepreneurial spirit with an abiding faith to combat seemingly intractable global issues like poverty, illiteracy, hunger, disease, and injustice. Opus Prize winners demonstrate that change is possible, empowering and inspiring all of us.”

Please note: Some of the material in the videos may not be suitable for all viewers.