The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

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William Kamkwamba grew up in Malawi, a land plagued by drought and hunger, where magic overshadowed modern science. Despite the challenges, he dreamed of building a windmill to bring electricity and water to his village. Mocked by neighbors who called him misala—crazy—William remained resolute in his quest to demonstrate the impact of determination and creativity. Fascinated by electricity, he aspired to study science at a top boarding school. However, a devastating famine in 2002 left his family destitute, forcing him to drop out and help forage for food as many suffered around him. Undeterred, William clung to his dreams, armed with only a handful of cornmeal, old science textbooks, and relentless curiosity. He devised a plan to provide luxuries that only a small percentage of Malawians could afford—electricity and running water. Using scrap metal, tractor parts, and bicycle components, he constructed a functional windmill that powered lights and a water pump to combat the looming drought. His creation, known as magetsi a mphepo—"electric wind"—became a beacon of hope. William's journey transformed him from a boy labeled as crazy into an inspiring figure, showcasing the extraordinary potential of human ingenuity to overcome adversity and improve lives.