What I learnt about Malawi
- Location and Geography: Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, bordered by Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania.
- History: Malawi gained independence from British rule on July 6, 1964, and was led by Hastings Banda as a one-party state until 1994. In 1994, Malawi transitioned to a multi-party democracy, marking a significant shift in its political landscape.
- Economy: Despite significant economic reforms, Malawi remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of just over $1,000.
- Culture: Malawi is known for its vibrant culture, including traditional music and dance
- Languages: English and Chichewa are the major languages spoken.
What I read for Malawi
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope
William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer
Available in: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
Genres: Non Fiction, Memoir
Paperback: 270 pages
Audiobook: 10h 4m
Summary
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind tells the inspiring story of William Kamkwamba, a young boy from Malawi, a country plagued by drought and hunger. Despite facing immense challenges, including dropping out of school due to a devastating famine, William’s curiosity and determination led him to build a windmill from scrap materials. This windmill brought electricity and water to his village, transforming the lives of his family and community. His remarkable ingenuity and perseverance turned him from a boy mocked as “crazy” into a global inspiration, showcasing the power of one individual’s ability to overcome adversity and effect positive change.
Thoughts
This book was inspirational as well as heart warming. I have always heard about the dismal life conditions in parts of Africa and how different organization is working towards making life better for all. But I never understood the deep impact of living through famines and poverty until I read this book. While searching about this country I read about the creativity and ingenuity of the people of Malawi and how they carve their own path in spite of the hardships they face and this book totally represented this fact. I am looking forward to read books across other countries in Africa to deepen my understanding for the continent.
Do you have any other recommendation from this country? Please share it in comments.
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