01/11/2025
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a memoir written by William Kamkwamba, a Malawian inventor, and it tells the inspiring story of how he built a windmill to bring electricity to his family and community in rural Malawi. The book chronicles his life, from growing up in a poor village to discovering the power of wind energy, overcoming immense challenges, and eventually bringing his idea to life.
The story highlights themes such as ingenuity, perseverance, and the power of education. Kamkwamba’s journey is particularly remarkable because, despite not being able to afford formal schooling due to financial hardship, he taught himself about windmills and renewable energy by reading books at his local library.
The memoir was later adapted into a film in 2019, further spreading Kamkwamba’s inspiring message of hope and resourcefulness.