I first met William Kamkwamba in July 2007 during my short study break in Lilongwe. Initially it was at the request of a blogger Soyapi Mumba who had known William for a longer while. I found both Soyapi anf William at Soyapi's offices in Lilongwe.
I had heard via email interactions and blogs that William had made a windmill at the age of 14 at his home in Kasungu at a time he has dropped from secondary school due to financial challenges. The story fascinated me. Meeting him gave me an idea of the kind of young man (boy) he was.
Of course when I met him, he was back in school and at that time, he was the ABC Academy in Lilongwe (Thanks to the sponsors).
He appeared simple, quiet and brilliant. We talked very briefly as my aim of visiting that day was simply to say hie to him and Soyapi. Again knowing it was at Soyapi's workplace and not William's, I did not want to appear inconviniencing Soyapi's colleagues.
This year in January (2009), I had the privilege of having him as Our Guest on Trans World Radio for a full 30 miniutes. We enjoyed talking and chatting on air in both English and Chichewa-the languages of the programme. Normally we do not feature young people, but as a producer I knew that William is exceptional and deserves sharing his life story with others-who I thought might get inspired. I know he missed the broadcast (since this was recorded) because as it went on air, he was leaving for the US to attend a conference for young scientists from where he told me, he was to connect to the Africa Leadership Academy in South Africa where he is studying.
As I interacted with him, I could sense the passion he has for making a difference in the eletronics in Malawi and beyond. He has a heart for the underprivileged especially that his own story illustrates the challenges facing his family and many Malawi. He is a young man that is determined to see change regardless of the status quo. It appears to me that as he gets more and more exposed, his anger at the energy situation in Malawi is increasing. When the right time comes, for sure he will do greater things.
There were a couple of people who gave their feedback to the programme. One young lady in Blantyre called to ask if she could meet William and feature him in her youth programme. She said William is an inspiration to young people and a challenge to the older ones.
Over the last two years, I have had the privilege of interacting with TED Global Tom Reilley, the man who has been very passionate about supporting William. It was also a special honor to get an advance reader's copy of the book The Boy who harnessed the wind. So lucky to have the book and read for myself his own story to the top of the windmill.
I wish William all the best. He has made Malawians proud and I am sure greater things are still coming.
I had heard via email interactions and blogs that William had made a windmill at the age of 14 at his home in Kasungu at a time he has dropped from secondary school due to financial challenges. The story fascinated me. Meeting him gave me an idea of the kind of young man (boy) he was.
Of course when I met him, he was back in school and at that time, he was the ABC Academy in Lilongwe (Thanks to the sponsors).
He appeared simple, quiet and brilliant. We talked very briefly as my aim of visiting that day was simply to say hie to him and Soyapi. Again knowing it was at Soyapi's workplace and not William's, I did not want to appear inconviniencing Soyapi's colleagues.
This year in January (2009), I had the privilege of having him as Our Guest on Trans World Radio for a full 30 miniutes. We enjoyed talking and chatting on air in both English and Chichewa-the languages of the programme. Normally we do not feature young people, but as a producer I knew that William is exceptional and deserves sharing his life story with others-who I thought might get inspired. I know he missed the broadcast (since this was recorded) because as it went on air, he was leaving for the US to attend a conference for young scientists from where he told me, he was to connect to the Africa Leadership Academy in South Africa where he is studying.
As I interacted with him, I could sense the passion he has for making a difference in the eletronics in Malawi and beyond. He has a heart for the underprivileged especially that his own story illustrates the challenges facing his family and many Malawi. He is a young man that is determined to see change regardless of the status quo. It appears to me that as he gets more and more exposed, his anger at the energy situation in Malawi is increasing. When the right time comes, for sure he will do greater things.
There were a couple of people who gave their feedback to the programme. One young lady in Blantyre called to ask if she could meet William and feature him in her youth programme. She said William is an inspiration to young people and a challenge to the older ones.
Over the last two years, I have had the privilege of interacting with TED Global Tom Reilley, the man who has been very passionate about supporting William. It was also a special honor to get an advance reader's copy of the book The Boy who harnessed the wind. So lucky to have the book and read for myself his own story to the top of the windmill.
I wish William all the best. He has made Malawians proud and I am sure greater things are still coming.
2 comments:
Victor, do you have an mp3 file of the show? I'd love to hear it. Thanks!
I just met William last night at MIT where he was asked to talk. This was his last stop on a book tour that has taken him to at least 12 cities around the US, where he made rounds on various TV shows as well as giving talks. The presentation itself was brilliant, the auditorium where he made the presentation was full to capacity that lots of people were unable to find seats and remained standing. He has not only made himself and his parents proud but also the whole nation of Malawi.
At the end of the presentation they showed a three minute clip of a documentary that will be released in about a years time. I should say I was surprised to see non other than our own Victor Kaonga being interviewed. Way to go good people.
It was indeed a pleasure to have met William.
Vee
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