18 Feb / The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
For most of the last hour (of 10+ hours) of listening to an effusive, lilting Chike Johnson read to me William Kamkwamba‘s phenomenal life story, I wore the goofiest grin on my face. Surely fellow drivers passing me by wondered what sort of gleeful idiot they were sharing the road with, as we skidded around in the aftermath of the 2010 Snowpocalypse. But I would wager that no one can possibly read (or listen to) this memorable survive-and-thrive story without finding relief and joy at happy endings – or happy beginnings, in this real life case.
Kamkwamba’s native Malawi has lately been in the news too often for the exploits of fame-seekers like Madonna (whose motives might be heartfelt, but perhaps a bit misguided), her adoptions, and most recently the school she’s helping fund. Far more inspiring is one Malawi boy’s story of overcoming impossible conditions – starvation, lack of education, basic resources, political upheaval, and collective trauma – to become the ‘Don Quixote of Africa.’
More than chasing windmills, Kamkwamba, out of school at age 14 because his parents could no longer afford his meager school fees, built his own windmill using library books, salvaged garbage, and pure unwavering determination to provide electricity first for his room, then the rest of his home, and eventually his entire village. And, in the process, he became not just a local hero, but an international phenomenon as a 2007 TEDGLOBAL Fellow. Kamkwamba’s simple explanation on how he made the windmill, “I try, and I made it,” becomes a motto for TED 2007.
“‘Africans bend what little they have to their will every day. Using creativity, they overcome Africa’s challenges. Where the world sees trash, Africa recycles. Where the world sees junk, Africa sees rebirth,'” Kamkwamba quotes a new friend as he recounts how many of his young fellow Africans are inventing powerful new ways to make life better throughout the African continent. His joyful devotion and utter pride in the potential of his country and all of Africa is thoroughly contagious – and you can’t help but cheer and believe that great changes are coming for impoverished communities with Kamkwamba’s young generation’s imaginative and practical plans.
Readers: Young Adult, Adult
Published: 2009
Yes, I just followed your link and watched the two TED talks he did. Luckily no-one can see my goofy grin!
We’ll be goofily grinning together — so gleefully, that I’m sure we’ll recognize each other’s grins even with the Pond between us. Like right now, as you’re reading this … it’s starting … yup, there it is!
I just have to THINK of windmills, be reminded by some little thing about windwills and I start just giggling inside (and out). He’s irrepressibly delightful, huh?
What a determined and resilient young man! He made the windmill against ALL odds (e.g., language barrier, lack of materials), and in the process he took such a gigantic leap and changed the course of his life!
And the lives of his families, friends, and his whole village. ONE LONE PERSON can indeed change the world. We have to remember that when we’re faced with the enormity of some of the news around us … from the mundane to the seemingly impossible, too.
Plus, goofy grins make the world go around and just watching his infectious energy and dedication is enough to make you joyful the rest of the day. Much better than caffeine or other stimulants any time of day!