I finally watched the 2019 film titled “The Boy Who harnessed The Wind” on Netflix. It is about a young 13 year old boy named William Kamkwamba in a small village in Malawi who built a wind turbine to save his family from famine. After watching the film, I sat down thinking about some of the beautiful lessons I got from the film. I want to talk about one of the lessons I got – Whatever you need to succeed is within your reach. However, not everyone can discern it.
It is a beautiful film and I encourage people to watch the film. It is based on a true story.
His family and community were suffering from a devastating drought that threatened their very survival. But in the midst of this adversity, William did something extraordinary—he looked around, saw what was available, and took action. The story of William Kamkwamba, as portrayed in the movie “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” is a powerful reminder that often, the tools for our success are already within our reach. We just need to recognize them and have the courage to use them.
The Power of a Book: Unlocking Potential with What’s Already Available
William’s journey began in a school library where he stumbled upon a book titled “Using Energy.” This book was not hidden away in some obscure corner; it was available to everyone, including his teachers and peers. However, only William took the extra step to explore its contents, even though he could barely read English at the time. He relied on the pictures and diagrams to understand how wind energy could be harnessed to generate electricity.
This teaches a crucial lesson: the resources we need to achieve greatness are often right in front of us. Many of us have access to the same books, the same tools, and the same opportunities, but it is the willingness to delve deeper and explore possibilities that set successful people apart. William’s story shows that knowledge, even when not fully understood, can be powerful when combined with creativity and determination.
Resourcefulness: Making the Most of What You Have
William didn’t have access to state-of-the-art materials or cutting-edge technology. Instead, he used what was available—an old bicycle, scrap metal, and parts from a broken radio. With these humble materials, he built a functioning windmill that generated electricity and powered a water pump, providing his family with the water they needed to irrigate their crops during the drought.
This innovation was not just about solving an immediate problem; it was about transforming his circumstances with the limited resources at hand. It highlights the importance of resourcefulness—the ability to creatively solve problems by making the most of what you have. In a world where we often feel constrained by what we lack, William’s story is a testament to the incredible potential that lies in using what we do have to its fullest extent.
The Lessons Learned: Vision, Determination, and the Will to Act
William Kamkwamba’s success did not come without challenges. He faced skepticism from his community, resistance from his father, and the overwhelming odds of poverty and limited education. But he persevered. His vision was clear: to bring electricity and water to his village. His determination kept him going, even when the path was uncertain.
One of the most profound lessons from William’s story is that vision without action is merely a dream. The knowledge he gained from the book and the materials he gathered would have been useless if he hadn’t taken the bold step of putting them to use. William didn’t wait for perfect conditions or for someone else to solve the problem; he took initiative and acted on his ideas.
Transforming a Life: From Village Innovator to Global Leader
William’s windmill did more than just bring light to his home; it illuminated his future. His ingenuity caught the attention of the world, leading to opportunities he could never have imagined. He went on to study at the African Leadership Academy and later at Dartmouth College in the United States. His story became a symbol of hope and empowerment, showing that with determination, one can rise above even the most challenging circumstances.
The impact of William’s innovation extended far beyond his village. It became a catalyst for his own transformation and a source of inspiration for others. It shows us that the skills and talents we develop, often through necessity, can open doors to unimaginable opportunities.
Conclusion: The Tools for Success Are Already in Your Hands
William Kamkwamba’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not about what we lack but about what we do with what we have. The book in the library was available to everyone, but only William saw its potential. The scrap materials were discarded by others, but William saw their value. In the end, it wasn’t the resources that made the difference; it was William’s resourcefulness, vision, and determination.
As we navigate our own challenges, let us remember that the tools for success are often already in our hands. We just need to open our eyes, see the opportunities around us, and have the courage to act. Like William, we too can harness the wind of our potential and transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
Here is a TEDx of William telling his story.
P.S. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a 2019 drama film written, directed by and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor in his feature directorial debut. The film is based on the memoir of the same name by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. Maxwell Simba starred as William Kamkwamba while Chiwetel Ejiofor starred as the father.
