William Kamkwamba: How I harnessed the wind
The Life-Changing Machine
In this section, the speaker reflects on their past experience of standing on the TED stage in Arusha, Tanzania and introduces a machine that changed their life.
Reflection on TED Talk Experience
- The speaker stood on the TED stage in Arusha, Tanzania two years ago.
- They spoke briefly about one of their proudest creations.
- The machine they created had a significant impact on their life.
- Prior to that time, they had never been away from their home in Malawi or used a computer.
- They were nervous while speaking on the stage due to language barriers and being surrounded by many white people.
Overcoming Challenges
In this section, the speaker shares a personal story about facing challenges and feeling out of place.
Feeling Out of Place
- The speaker felt overwhelmed and lost due to language barriers during their TED talk.
- Being surrounded by many white people made them feel uncomfortable.
- They mention having a story they didn't share at that time but are now willing to share it.
From Farmer to Scientist
In this section, the speaker talks about their background as a farmer and how they discovered science.
Background as a Farmer
- The speaker was originally a simple farmer in Malawi.
- Their family grew maize like everyone else in their community.
- They experienced an awful famine in 2001 which led to starvation for many Malawians.
- Due to hunger, the speaker was forced to drop out of school and help with farming.
Pursuit of Education
In this section, the speaker discusses their determination to receive an education despite challenging circumstances.
Determination to Learn
- The speaker was determined to receive an education and went to a library.
- They read science books, particularly physics, even though their English reading skills were limited.
- They used diagrams and pictures to understand the words in the books.
Building a Windmill
In this section, the speaker shares their journey of building a windmill and its significance.
Discovering Windmills
- The speaker learned from a book that windmills could pump water and generate electricity.
- This knowledge inspired them as it meant irrigation for defense against hunger.
- Despite not having materials, they found what they needed at a scrap yard.
Overcoming Doubts
In this section, the speaker talks about facing doubts and skepticism while building their machine.
Facing Skepticism
- Many people, including the speaker's mother, thought they were crazy for attempting to build a windmill.
- Using various materials such as a tractor fan, shock absorber, PVC pipes, bicycle frame, and dynamo, they built their machine.
- Initially starting with one light, they eventually expanded it to four lights with switches and even added a circuit breaker.
Impact of the Machine
In this section, the speaker discusses how their machine had an impact on their community.
Positive Effects of the Machine
- The machine pumped water for irrigation purposes which helped combat hunger in their community.
- People started lining up at the speaker's house to charge their mobile phones using the generated electricity.
- Reporters took notice of their invention which led to further recognition and opportunities.
Unexpected Opportunities
In this section, the speaker reflects on unexpected opportunities that arose from their invention.
Unexpected Recognition
- The speaker had never seen an airplane or slept in a hotel before.
- Their TED talk led to new experiences and opportunities they had never imagined.
- They express gratitude for the chance to share their story with others who may be struggling with their dreams.
Conclusion
The transcript provides insights into the speaker's journey from a farmer in Malawi to becoming an inventor. Despite facing challenges and doubts, they were determined to receive an education and build a windmill that brought positive change to their community. The machine not only provided irrigation but also generated electricity, impacting lives beyond their expectations. The speaker's story serves as inspiration for those facing similar struggles and emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's dreams.