For 20+ years
@nbcsports and the University of Notre Dame have been teaming up on projects around the world that connect storytelling with real work happening in local communities. This year we were lucky enough to be invited along to Malawi 🇲🇼 .
We based out of
@fishermansrestlodge outside Blantyre and spent our days in nearby villages and schools where water wells are a lifeline for the community. When a pump breaks, it can mean kids walking miles for water or even schools shutting down.
What’s amazing is seeing how that problem is being solved. With support from Notre Dame and the local teams who have been doing this work for more than 40 years, communities are now learning how to 3D print replacement parts, maintain their own pumps, and build systems that are more reliable and sustainable.
Our job was simple. Spend time with people, listen, earn their trust, and try to capture honest moments that help tell the story of the work being done there.
Trips like this always shift something inside you. At first you notice the things people don’t have. But pretty quickly you start noticing the things they do have. Community. Joy. Pride in their schools. Kids laughing and chasing each other around the well the moment the water starts flowing again.
It’s a good reminder that perspective changes when you step outside your own bubble.
We started the week on safari at Majete Wildlife Reserve seeing elephants, hippos, zebras and more wildlife than we could count. The next morning we were helping repair a broken school well and watching kids crowd around when the pump finally started working again.
Four days on the ground, two long travel days each way, and every minute was worth it.
Thanks to Director
@mrahamin , producer
@cloonmeister , photographer
@mlcaterina , and our Johannesburg based AC/B cam shooter
@jp_turvey . And to our incredible local team arranged by fixer Durand
@africanfixertv led by Malawi fixer Jones our drivers, security, and everyone at Fisherman’s Rest who welcomed us like family.
The week ended with homemade pizza, local music, and a lot of gratitude!
Malawi, we’ll be back someday!
Zikomo Kwanbiri! #malawi
#cinematography #bts #africa