The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope

By William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer (William Morrow; Reprint edition, 2010)

Recommended by RIPPLE Africa

From Amazon: William Kamkwamba was born in Malawi, a country where magic ruled and modern science was mystery. It was also a land withered by drought and hunger. But William had read about windmills, and he dreamed of building one that would bring to his small village a set of luxuries that only 2 percent of Malawians could enjoy: electricity and running water. This is a remarkable true story about human inventiveness and its power to overcome crippling adversity. It will inspire anyone who doubts the power of one individual’s ability to change his community and better the lives of those around him.

The Shackled Continent

By Robert Guest (Pan Publishing, 2005)

Recommended by RIPPLE Africa

From Amazon: Africa is the only continent to have grown poorer over the past three decades. Why? Robert Guest’s fascinating book seeks to diagnose the sickness that continues to hobble Africa’s development. Using reportage, first-hand experience and economic insight, Robert Guest takes us to the roots of the problems.

The Boy Who Flies

This documentary chronicles a young man’s quest to become the first Malawian paraglider pilot. Watch the trailer or purchase for download here.

$25

Bush League

This documentary about Malawi has been made available on YouTube by the filmmaker. It is also available for download on Amazon. Bush League is a character driven ethnographic survey of a tiny village in Northern Malawi. Intimate dramas unfold in the lives of four villagers who are all members of the local soccer team.

This film is unrated and contains content that may be objectionable to some viewers.

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