Thanks for the story of ingenuity in the face of dilemma.

I can't help but be a little peeved at the story's underlying subterfuge of what seems to be paternalistic arrogance though.

Language like:

"Kamkwamba is part of a generation of Africans who are not waiting for their governments or aid groups to come to their rescue, according to the author."

and

"One of the keys of his success is ... he's never wanted to rest on his laurels."

Only reenforcing the stereotype so deeply ingrained in the Western psyche that the problem of course is not planned underdevelopment but the "work ethic" and lack of gumption of Africans(waiting on government and aid groups to help them) to see themselves through problems except for these exceptions to the rule. Redux by Obama: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/11/obama-ghana-speech-full-t_n_230009.html

I'm reminded of the story of the inner city kids in Philadelphia who developed the hybrid car that gets 60+ MPG and goes from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds.

It is this system and its adherents that refuses to let the intelligence and wisdom of the people flourish while leaning on its own false understandings only to re-enforce its hegemony.

How many of these geniuses are waiting to be unleashed on the world? We may never know unless necessity forces the society to do away with its blinders.