Globally Green Living

William Kamkwamba from Kasungu Malawi in Africa did not let the fact that he could not continue his schooling in 2002 stop him from learning.

His family was unable to pay the school fees required but William obtained books from Wimbe Teachers Development Centre (TDC) so was able to continue pursuing his interest in science.

The books were donated through a teacher-training program called Malawi Teacher Training Activity (MTTA). One book in particular was about energy and included instructions on how to design a windmill.

• He built his first windmill when he was only 14 and has improved upon it many times since. His original windmill generated enough power to light his room, but he made a larger one that created enough power for several light bulbs as well as two radios. Before that they had no electricity and were using paraffin candles and lamps for light.

Some of the parts used for the windmill were scrap wood, PVC pipes and a bicycle frame. The PVC pipes were cut, heated and pounded until flat for blades. William replaced the plastic windmill blades by taking an oil drum to a tinsmith to help cut it into new steel blades.

• The publicity has brought William Kamkwamba many opportunities such as the ability to continue his schooling. He is continuing his studies at African Bible College Christian Academy in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi.

The story received more publicity thanks to Malawian blogger Soyapi Mumba and continued through to other blogs such as Hactivate, White African, AfriGadget and others. Emeka Okafor who is the curator of TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Global Conference invited William to attend with him in Aursha, Tanzania where he was well received.

Since the conference, William was introduced to the internet, has an email address as well as a successful blog with the help of his American mentor.

He continues to update us on his latest projects and has rewired his home and installed solar panels along with his team from National Solar and Power.

If you are interested in reading more about this inspiring and inventive young man, see William Kamkwamba’s Malawi Windmill Blog.

This was adapted from an article I wrote for Suite101.