People set out at daybreak in hopes of earning a few “Kwacha”, their local currency, in order to survive the new day.
This is the story of a resilient people doing a lot with very little. They are at peace knowing they have done the best they can with what God and others have provided. Each photo represents the hope, determination and resolve of the people of Malawi.
I went to Africa to document work being done by Malawi Women’s Health, a public health initiative founded by Dr. Rachel Rodriguez of Edgewood College School of Nursing in Madison, Wisconsin. What I saw there is not research. It is community-based work, working hand-in-hand with individuals to improve their quality of life. As of yet there is no major funding for this type of initiative but it is my hope that these photos will bring their story to a wider audience and help generate funds for the construction of the Mpumulo Women’s Center just outside the city of Blantyre.
It was an incredible experience and I am blessed to have had the opportunity.
Video directed under the guidance of: Dr. Rachel Rodriguez, Associate Professor, Edgewood College School of Nursing, Madison, WI
Associate Producer: Tom LeTourneau
Narrated by: Patricia Rataj
Portraits of Hope will be a video documentary showcasing the selfless efforts of Malawians working to improve their quality of life. It will showcase the works of the people we have met and worked with through Malawi Women's Health. Our organization was founded by Dr. Rachel Rodriguez, Associate Professor, Edgewood College School of Nursing, in Madison, WI.
Dr. Rodriguez was recently awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for her pioneering efforts in community-based work in Malawi. She will travel back to Malawi in January of 2013. Malawi Women's Health offers anti-domestic violence advocacy, public health education, literacy and income generation training to the women of Malawi. The project's goal is ultimately to build and operate the Mpumulo Women's Center on a small plot of land currently owned by project supporters outside the city of Blantyre.
It is my hope to return to Malawi sometime in late May of 2013 to continue documenting this great work.
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