The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Lecture Notes

Introduction

Speaker: Miss Renée from Pasadena Water and Power
Book: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Brian Mueller
Focus: True story of a young boy in Africa who builds a windmill to bring power to his village.

Setting: A small village in Malawi, Africa where:
- People lack money for electricity.
- Farmers go to bed at nightfall due to darkness.
Main Character: William Kamkwamba
- Dreams of building things inspired by:
  - Grandpa's tales of magic.
  - Curiosity about trucks and engines.
Challenges Faced:
- No rain leading to drought, causing starvation.
- Family reduced to one meal a day.
- William forced to drop out of school due to financial issues.
Turning Point:
- William discovers a library and science books, learns about engines and windmills.
- Realizes windmills can produce electricity and pump water.

Inspiration:
- Visualizes windmill helping to bring light and water to his village.
- Sees it as a weapon to fight against hunger.
Gathering Materials:
- Finds pieces in a junkyard (tractor fan, pipes, etc.).
- Faces ridicule but perseveres.
Collaboration:
- Friends join him to help build the windmill.
- Collects materials from the forest, constructs the machine.
Success:
- Windmill spins and powers a light bulb, proving the concept works.
- Community reacts with amazement and support.

Light bulbs installed in his parents' home using the windmill.
Years later, achieves his dream of pumping water.
Gains recognition in 2007 at a TED conference in Tanzania.
- Invited after being discovered by journalists.
- Received support to go back to school and install solar-powered water systems.

Significance of the Story:
- Highlights the importance of renewable resources like wind energy.
- Emphasizes creativity and initiative in problem-solving.
Call to Action:
- Encouragement for students to engage with the material.
- Invitation for feedback (letters, drawings, emails) on the book and suggestions for future readings.