The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Born in Kasungu, Malawi, William Kamkwamba grows up in a family of farmers in Wimbe. He shows a unique talent for tinkering and enjoys fixing radios, often searching the local junkyard for parts.

William's education is disrupted when he is expelled from school due to his family's inability to pay tuition fees. This marks a significant setback for the bright young boy who loves learning and exploring new ideas.

To continue his education, William cleverly gains access to the school library through his science teacher, Mike Kachigunda, who is secretly dating his sister. This opportunity allows him to explore electrical engineering in depth.

As the mid-2000s approach, a severe drought devastates crops in Wimbe, leading to widespread famine. The community faces chaos as families struggle to survive amidst government rationing efforts, resulting in riots.

In the face of famine, William's family suffers as they are robbed of their food supplies. Caught in this crisis, William's sister decides to elope with Kachigunda to alleviate the family's burden.

Determined to help his village combat the drought, William dreams of building a windmill to power the water pump. He believes this could revive their agricultural prospects and mitigate the famine.

William constructs a small prototype of his windmill, which shows promising results. However, to scale up his project, he needs cooperation from his father to use the family's bicycle for parts.

William's father, Trywell Kamkwamba, initially dismisses the idea of using the bicycle for the windmill as a waste of time. In frustration, William's prototype is subsequently destroyed by his father, who wants him to focus on farming.

Tragedy strikes when William's loyal dog, Khamba, dies from starvation, leaving William in despair. This loss deepens the challenges William faces amid the looming famine in his village.

After Khamba's burial, William's mother, Agnes, persuades Trywell to reconsider his stance on William's project. The family experiences a poignant moment of reconciliation, reigniting hope for the future.

Inspired by his vision and with newfound support, William rallies a group of friends and remaining villagers to help him build the windmill. Together, they work tirelessly to gather materials and resources.

With collaborative effort, the community successfully constructs a full-sized windmill using parts from Kachigunda's bicycle and other salvaged materials. This achievement symbolizes resilience and hope.

The constructed windmill becomes operational, reviving the dormant water pump and enabling irrigation for the fields. This innovation leads to a bountiful harvest, alleviating the village's struggles.

With the threat of famine diminished, the villagers celebrate their collective achievement and renewed hope. William's journey showcases the power of ingenuity and community resilience against adversity.