William Kamkwamba, originally from Malawi, built an electricity-producing windmill from spare parts and scrap at the age of 14. Due to a severe drought and financial difficulties, he had to drop out of school. However, his thirst for knowledge led him to the local library, where he found a book called “Using Energy.” This book sparked his interest in windmills and their potential to generate electricity and pump water.
Determined to improve the living conditions of his family and village, William began collecting discarded materials. He used scrap metal, tractor parts, bicycle halves, and blue gum trees to construct his windmill. Despite lacking formal training, he successfully built a windmill that powered four light bulbs and two radios in his family home. This achievement not only provided electricity but also inspired his village and beyond. People started using his windmill to charge their cell phones and showed interest in building their own windmills.
William’s story gained international attention when he shared his journey at TEDGlobal. This recognition opened many doors for him, including educational opportunities and collaborations with innovators worldwide.
Today, William continues to support youth innovation through the Moving Windmills Project. This initiative aims to build an innovation center for young inventors in Malawi, providing resources and support to help them realize their ideas. William’s story is a testament to the power of ingenuity and perseverance, demonstrating the profound impact one individual can have on their community and the world.
