The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Have you heard of William Kamkwamba? If you haven't, you need to. 

As a young boy growing up in Malawi, William was like kids all around the world. He was curious. He was a dreamer. He was torn between family, school, and struggles of everyday life. But in some ways, William was NOT like kids all around the world. He was trying to survive during a severe famine. He had to watch his community compete for limited resources. And he had to try and stay positive in the face of difficult challenges.

As I read this novel, I was constantly drawing comparisons between life growing up as a student in America. It was interesting to see how Pleasanton children are the same -- love of soccer, helping at home with chores. In contrast, students in Pleasanton do not have to watch their pets become skin and bones with no food, or drop out of school due to money.

William learned to teach himself by reading book after book at the local library. Although he could not afford to attend primary school formally, his ability to educate himself informally is quite commendable! I wish that other students would pour over words in books, build sample projects, and talk out their ideas with a friend (for William, that friend was Geoffrey).

Ironically, William was able to build a windmill to harness the wind and create electricity. He brought light to his home and village. But I think he brought LIGHT to us all in other ways!

Although this book was incredibly inspiring, so is watching William share his story in this TED talk.

I hope other young readers and inventors around the world are inspired by William's story. 

He was curious, driven, and persistent. 

When others doubted him, William stayed true to his dream. 

Dreams do come true, with a little effort!

As William says, "If you try, you will make it."