Framing Resilience: Empowering Community Voices Through My Lens in Nairobi
Photography is far more than framing a pretty picture. Instead, it offers a powerful lens for seeing the world. Furthermore, it connects us deeply with people and tells stories that truly matter. In 2023, Jacqueline Kabungwe proudly joined the first cohort of young storytellers under Know Your City TV (KYCTV). Consequently, this pivotal experience launched her impactful journey into media and community advocacy.
Through KYCTV, Jacqueline Kabungwe produced a compelling story about turning waste into cash in Malawi. This project highlighted the emerging green economy across Malawi’s informal settlements. Additionally, it showed how local youth and women turn severe environmental challenges into real livelihoods. Ultimately, that hands-on field project fundamentally shaped her vision as a creator.
Stepping into the Resilience Through Our Eyes training in Nairobi, Kenya, felt like a natural next step. Indeed, it offered a vital opportunity for Jacqueline Kabungwe to sharpen her technical skills. She also exchanged rich insights with fellow creators and explored fresh approaches to visual storytelling.
During this intensive workshop, Jacqueline Kabungwe realized that true creative growth never stands still. Although she had reported on green initiatives in Malawi before, Nairobi pushed her further. Specifically, it challenged her to look beyond the surface and capture deeper emotional layers.
Now, Jacqueline Kabungwe returns home with more than upgraded technical skills. In addition, she brings back a renewed sense of purpose. She feels a passionate commitment to mentor and enriches the creative journeys of young storytellers back home.
Strengthening My Technical Skills
A major breakthrough was mastering fully manual camera control. Consequently, this gave me complete creative command over every image I produce.
During the sessions, I strengthened my understanding of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Together, these three elements form the exposure triangle.
First, I demystified how these three elements interact. As a result, I can now make intentional visual choices. For example, I can control depth of field or capture crisp motion to fit each community narrative.
By demystifying how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO interact in the exposure triangle, I can now make bold, intentional visual choices from controlling depth of field to crisp motion-capture tailored perfectly to the mood of each community narrative.
Next, I deepened my mastery of visual composition. I learned how to leverage the Rule of Thirds and dynamic framing to draw viewers into the story.
Furthermore, I used the Rule of Thirds to guide the viewer’s attention effectively and create more compelling photographs.
Revisiting these core tools proved an important point. Real experience is not just about discovering new tricks. Rather, it comes from mastering fundamentals until they become instinctual superpowers in the field.
Overall, these skills have given me a stronger foundation to expand my photography practice. “Mastering manual control allowed me to translate raw emotion directly into the frame without technical barriers,” Jacqueline reflected. Moreover, they help me share practical knowledge with young creators.
Jacqueline actively participating in the training.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Collaborating alongside passionate photojournalists across Africa created an incredible energy. As a result, our group became an inspiring hub of peer-to-peer exchange.
Surrounding myself with people who share a passion for storytelling was both inspiring and enriching. Through our interactions, I explored diverse creative perspectives and new approaches to documentation.
In addition, I came to appreciate the value of shared learning and open communication. Every conversation reminded me that photography is a continuous process. As Jacqueline noted during the workshop, “Connecting with fellow African storytellers showed me that while our contexts differ, our shared commitment to elevating local voices unites us all.” Therefore, we do not have to navigate our creative journeys alone.
Fieldwork and Real-World Insights
Our immersive field visits to Kiamaiko and Huruma brought every theoretical concept to life. Documenting narratives on the ground taught me an essential lesson. Impactful community photography demands far more than technical skill. Instead, it requires deep empathy, active listening, and genuine respect.
Specifically, being in the field reminded me that photography is not simply about capturing visual details. It demands careful observation, patience, and genuine understanding of the people behind the images.
As storytellers documenting resilience, we hold a key responsibility. “In places like Kiamaiko and Huruma, I realized that true visual storytelling requires us to set aside assumptions, listen deeply, and honour the dignity of every individual,” Jacqueline shared. Thus, we must approach every story with care, respect, and authenticity.
These field experiences reinforced the importance of listening carefully. Above all, we must ensure our photographs reflect community realities with dignity.
Bringing the Learning Home: Empowering Youth Storytellers
True knowledge gains value when we pass it forward. “Empowering youth with technical skills is about more than just photography it is about handing them the tools to tell their own stories on their own terms,” Jacqueline emphasized. Therefore, I am returning home fully prepared to host actionable workshops and mentoring sessions for young creators.
I firmly believe that knowledge becomes more meaningful when shared. I am ready to teach manual camera settings, exposure concepts, composition, and intentional storytelling.
Likewise, I look forward to creating opportunities for youth to practise these skills. In doing so, they can build confidence in their photography.
For Jacqueline Kabungwe, this mentorship is also a vital chance to advance the core mission of the Centre for Community Organisation and Development (CCODE). CCODE actively empowers urban poor communities in Malawi and supports inclusive, sustainable growth. By sharing her skills through KYCTV, Jacqueline Kabungwe aims to strengthen collective community voices and amplify local experiences.
Ultimately, this experience showed me that young people become powerful storytellers when we give them the right skills, opportunities, and confidence.
Looking Ahead: The Mentorship Journey
As I enter the upcoming mentorship phase, I will work alongside seasoned media professionals. Together, we will refine my technique and turn single images into multi-layered stories.
I expect this mentorship to provide space for continued learning and constructive feedback. Consequently, I will improve my ability to build compelling visual narratives.
Personally, I believe this journey will make me a more confident and intentional photographer. “Partnering with CCODE and KYCTV allows us to bring grass-root experiences into the spotlight,” Jacqueline added. “This mentorship is a springboard to deepen our community impact.”
Beyond personal development, I see this as an opportunity to contribute directly to KYCTV.
These new skills will strengthen our approach to visual documentation. As a result, we can better highlight community resilience in urban areas.
I look forward to applying these skills in our daily storytelling. Furthermore, I will share this knowledge with fellow KYCTV members to produce impactful visual content.
In this way, the program’s impact extends far beyond me to support our entire organization.
A Journey of Continuous Growth
Looking back at my time in Nairobi, I realize the training was about much more than technical photography.
Instead, it focused on learning from others, building connections, and discovering inner resilience.
It has been about learning from others, strengthening my skills, building meaningful connections, and discovering resilience within myself.
Thus, I returned home with a renewed perspective on storytelling and a deeper appreciation for collaboration.
My journey in Nairobi served as a powerful catalyst. “I arrived in Nairobi eager to learn,” Jacqueline reflected, “and I return with a renewed fire to inspire, lead, and amplify community stories that demand to be heard.” I arrived ready to learn, and now I return ready to lead, inspire, and elevate community storytelling.
Moreover, my journey does not end here. It continues through every photograph I take, every youth I mentor, and every community story I bring to light.
I went to Nairobi to learn, but I have returned ready to share and grow alongside others.
I came to Nairobi to learn. I have returned ready to share, inspire, and grow alongside others.
This is resilience through my eyes.
