WAINGEREZA WENYE HADHI ZA MAJINA NA UTAJIRI WAINGIA UISLAM

In The Name Of Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful....
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركات
As'salamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.
Britain's High Class Are Flocking to Islam.
Authentic research has shown that over 14,000 Brits have converted to Islam after having lost hope in the style of life the West is offering.

‘Amongst the converts there exists many famous personalities which is a great booster for the Muslims who have become a prey to accusations of terrorism and are living in fear’ in the words of Muslim leaders.

The Muslim Council has appointed the former Health Minister’s son Ahmed Dobson as chairman of their new committee which is striving to explain the reality of Islam to the whites living in the United Kingdom .

Yahya Britt (Jonathan Britt) the former BBC director has researched thoroughly the data of Christians converting to Islam and concluded that the total number of new Muslims in Britain was 14,200.

In his statement of conversion to Islam last week, Britt stressed the point that Britain also needed a leader to bring whites more easily into Islam, just as Malcom X had done for the blacks of America and to make Islam a more national religion rather than the strange one it is at present.

Furthermore, he explained how Islam’s balanced system, strong beliefs and spirituality gave him that hearts contentment.

Herbet Scott’s great grand daughter, Emma Clark has also accepted Islam as a way of life, a former designer for the gardens of the Prince of Wales is now involved in designing a mosque’s garden.

She stated to the press a few days ago that ‘I accepted Islam after detesting the doubt standards of Western values and to leave from the filth that surrounds it.'
Her great grandfather who was the prime minister of Britain in 1908-1916 led his people to the lines of victory in the First World War.

Most new converts have been greatly influenced by Charles Easton’s book, ‘Islam and the Destiny of Man’.
He states that, I’ve receive thousands of letters informing me that we have lost hope in today’s Christianity which is following the whims and desires of people and are searching for such a religion which does not have this.

The Earl of Yarbrough who is the owner of over 28,000 acres of land in Lincolnshire told the press, ‘I have changed my name to Abdul Mateen and would only like to say that ‘Study Islam and you shall see its beauty’.

Her Majesty has given full permission for Muslim staff working in Buckingham Palace to take time off to perform their Friday prayers.

The above were examples of people who were directly connected to the kingdom, whose grandparents were the bearers of knighthoods and lordships, who used to sit in the houses of Parliament, wealthy people, from a nation who has never been ruled.
But what happened to these people’s progeny?

There was no slavery or force on them to make them accept Islam; ‘it was solely the unexplainable hearts contentment we found which compelled us.’

After all this I see not the reasons of my shyness, my regret, my inferiority complex that is stopping me from even performing my Jumu’ah Salaat amidst my colleagues at work only because of the fear of what will people say and that my business may lose important profits, yet the kingdom headquarters, Buckingham Palace, has such facilities…

As Muslims, we are duty bound to express the beauty of Islam through our actions and deeds. Let not a single opportunity slip to represent ourselves in the best tradition of a True Believer.

KUZAMA KWA SEHEMU YA ARDHI ILIYO PWANI

On Tue, Oct 20, 2009 at 3:52 PM, Mwita wrote:


Ocean 'swallowing islands' By Ray Naluyaga

The Indian Ocean level is fast rising causing some low lying islands to be submerged under the sea or even disappear, according to Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume.

Addressing the 35th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris yesterday, Mr Karume said Ras Nungwi on the northern tip of Unguja island in Zanzibar, has lost about 100 meters of beach.

"We are also witnessing severe weather patterns causing loss of biological species and changing of seasonal rains. The bi-modal pattern of rainfall distribution in some parts, is gradually switching to un-modal pattern, as short rains slowly fade away with severe consequences to agricultural yields thereby affecting agricultural exports and local economies," he said.

He said due to unsustainable pattern of production and consumption, human beings have contributed to environment pollution and global warming. As a result of global warming, we are now experiencing the melting of mountain glaciers such as that on Mt. Kilimanjaro, which has affected water sources and tourism potential.

He told the conference that there is also the melting of polar ice, the drying up of rivers and lakes. Some African lakes, he said, are shrinking in size with fish harvests decreasing thereby threatening the livelihood of millions of people who directly or indirectly depend on fish and aquatic products.

The Zanzibar leader said climate change affect energy production as well because of depleted water resources and vegetation covers. Plant species that are vulnerable to drought give way to drought resistant species, hence a loss to biodiversity.

"Temperature rise is linked to activation of vector borne diseases, with malaria becoming increasingly challenging.Climate change also impact on tourism due to possible decrease in wildlife population," said Mr Karume.

He said global warming and climate change continue to affect poor nations, most of which are in Africa. These countries are less industrialized and thus have contributed little to greenhouse gas emissions, and yet they bear the heavy burden of climate change.

"Tanzania supports the UNESCO strategy of action on climate change and the organisaton�s Director General�s proposal to look for innovative methods of addressing this problem including the desirability of a standard setting instrument for ethical principles on climate change," he said.

JANGA LINGINE LA KUIBIWA WAWEKEZAJI WALALAHOI TANZANIA?

AUSTIN BEYADI, 24th October 2009 Daily News

PANDEMONIUM broke out in the packed hall that housed shareholders of the National Investment Company Limited (NICOL) after the Annual General Meeting was postponed this noon.

"Before we open the meeting we should get consultation from our legal consultant who should show us the way on how to proceed with the meeting," said the NICOL Chairman, Mr Felix Mosha.

The legal consultant advocate, Hubert Nyange informed the gathering that ven though the hall was packed, the attending shareholders only represented a minority 17.5 per cent of the shares.

According to its memorandum and article of association, for NICOL's annual general meeting to take place, the quorum must consists of shareholding members with at least 33 per cent of the shares, .

Thus, Mr Mosha had no choice but to suspend the AGM and advised members to return next weekend for the meeting while at the same time the legal consultant warned that if the quorum wasn't reached in the next meeting, the AGM will be dissolved.

The announcement caused a lot of disorder in the meeting when the shareholders had questioned the chairman to inform them what was going on in the company especially on the fact that NICOL shares had been suspended from the Dar es Salaam stock exchange.

Patrick Mvile, a shareholder who travelled from upcountry to attend the meeting dared to compare the company with now very popular pyramid scheme, DECI and that now the operations and activities of the company were running with outmost secrecy.

"The fact that we did not meet the quorum is not good enough to postpone the meeting. I think there are a lot of things going on that we are not being told and the postponement is just a ruse for preventing us away from questioning the board," he lamented.

Another shareholder said that people were warned about DECI and they continued to invest their money in DECI and now the same authorities that cautioned people against DECI have now come into inconclusive dispute.

"This has caused us to live in suspicion that we may lose our invested money just like the DECI people did after failing to see what was coming," he said.

Mr Mosha pleaded with the shareholders not to compare the company with DECI saying that the company has made major achievements which include investing more than 30bn/- in the National Microfinance Bank.

He said that the meeting did not meet the quorum because recently NICOL has sold shares to Pension funds that have outsmarted individual shareholders and become major shareholders.

According to NICOL's 2008 financial report provided during the meeting, the company has two issues to resolve with Capital Markets and Securities Agency and the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange and this has led to NICOL's suspension on the DSE.

The members had demanded to know why the NICOL shares have been suspended on the stock exchange but the board has promised to answer the questions in the upcoming meeting next week.

KUHARIBIKIWA KWA MJI WA MOROGORO, TANZANIA

SUNDAY NEWS Reporter recently in Morogoro, 24th October 2009.
HIVI SIVYO ALIVYOUONA MJI WA MOROGORO KASORO BAHARI MWIMBAJI MBARAKA MWINSHEHE MWARUKA MIAKA YA SABINI (1970s)

VISITORS to Morogoro might have seen or heard about an area that would have made Sodom and Gomorrah envious. The place is infamous for indecency, hooliganism, drugs and commercial sex and it is right in the heart of the sprawling and fast growing municipality.

Located adjacent to the CCM District headquarters, off Makongoro Road, the vicinity of Kahumba Park Night Club, is a hot spot for commercial sex, drug peddlers and pickpockets. In a recent survey, the ‘Sunday News’ witnessed some episodes from the ‘underworld’, totally unimaginable for an otherwise serene atmosphere that Morogoro is known for.

‘Business’ at the ‘Sodom and Gomorrah’ lookalike opens at around 10 pm, when nearby shops are already closed and there is a limited movement of people. The loud sound from full blast disco music played at the night club and the Moro by Night Club nearby is a sure sign that time is ripe for the show.

Small groups, (in twos or threes) of girls wearing revealing clothes (you can correctly use the word half naked,) smoking cigarettes (could be illicit drugs), slowly emerge from footpaths and alleys, parading their bodies in a catwalk manner, the way beauty contestants do. It is quite some spectacle that would have made Noah’s condemned city yellow with envy.

"You haven’t seen the worst of it yet. The adjacent valley and all the shop corridors around here are makeshift lodges for those who have no money to pay for a room. Just wait and see when the lights at the disco go off. It’s awful,’’ said a reporter with a daily paper who preferred anonymity.

"That place is hell on earth especially on weekends and public holidays. .We can’t sleep at night because of the loud music. Who doesn’t know it? The police know it, very well,’’ said a neighbour in the vicinity.

In a telephone interview, Morogoro Regional Police Commander Thobias Andengenye said a police raid to nab loiterers and those extending business hours beyond midnight has been conducted around the area several times but with very little success. The deadline for discos and bars is 11:30 pm on weekdays and 12 midnight on weekends.

"The culprits pay a fine, yet the next day it is business as usual. It is not easy to conduct arbitrary arrests. If someone has a permanent address, they will tell you that they are just hanging out to have fun,” says the RPC.

He laments that the law does not clearly provide for what is decent and indecent dressing.

“It is the burden of proof that a crime has been committed that puts us in a very difficult situation. The law should be clear on what is right and wrong,’’ he argues.

Around this area, about four guest houses form a kind of line-up that caters for customers preferring what a local resident said is known as fasta fasta service while those who are not in a hurry can either hire a taxi or a motorcycle to some other destination.

The guest houses include High Classic Lodge, Kahumba Anex, Moro Night and Butist. A room costs between 4,000/- and 20,000/-. This does not mean the guests are exclusive for sex. The rooms are available to anybody. They are not only for the pleasure seekers.

One of the managers of the lodges admitted that indecent acts of all sorts abound around the area at night. He was however, at a loss as to what had happened to attract the attention of the media.

"Give us your advice on how to stop this business,’’ he told the ‘Sunday News.’

While the ‘Sunday News’ was conducting interviews undercover, all hell broke loose when two men clashed over a girl they both had paid for a fasta fasta service. The girl, who was drunk, shouted obscenities, saying she would go with anyone who was ready to pay her more. As she traded insults, motorcyclists had a field day, clapping and cheering, incensing the girl more.

The commotion ended when the girl refunded the first client and left with another man who must have probably raised the jackpot. Not everyone is amused by the indecent acts in the area. Many people interviewed expressed their disgust.

"It is really shameful, especially to parents, guardians, government authorities and the upright youths. What lessons are we teaching our children? Tanzanian culture has been dealt a very heavy blow,’’ lamented the owner of a nearby shop.

As the ladies of the twilight were busy looking for hookers outside, more was happening inside the night club. Stage dancers were giving the best of their performance. They are striptease show of sorts. The audience cheered wildly as a stage show dancer almost stripped off all her clothes.

"The show goes on up to 3 am every night. We get monthly salaries. Our shows have got nothing to do with commercial sex,’’ one young male dancer told the ‘Sunday News,’ during an interlude which allowed him an opportunity to sip a free soda.

The night revellers in the area represented a race rainbow. There were Tanzanians of Asian origin and the Maasai. As the night wore on, two Indians who had been pacing up and down the street spotted their prey and after some minutes of negotiations, probably over price, walked away with a fairly beautiful girl who had managed to fetch a colleague and link her up with the customers.

In a relaxed mood, one of the ‘sister-dos’, Rose (not her real name) said she had no problem with men as they were so generous that she could pocket up to 250,000/- per night on a good day.

"I’m very happy. I hire a room in a lodging house. When I bring a customer, he pays for it and the receptionist refunds me later. On top of the room charge, the man pays for my service. In good business days, I can handle four or five men," she quipped.

Rose said further that the taxi drivers and ‘boda boda’ cyclists have got her handset number. They too bring customers to her, under a special arrangement that they overcharge them.

"When the driver or cyclist is overpaid, the extra money is mine. I’m the one who chooses where to go. I go back to the driver later and he gives me my share. This is business. And in business you must be creative,’’ she said as she sipped a soda I had offered her.

When asked whether she takes precautions, or whether she had tested for HIV/AIDS, Rose was a little surprised and wanted to know why.

“Why should I care? This is a job like any other. If the worst happens, I will die like all other human beings,” she told the ‘Sunday News.’

A local researcher, Dr Fuko Kitenge of KIHEHEREU, a herbal research unit on HIV/AIDS, warned that AIDS is ravaging Morogoro Municipality and he believes that it is a time bomb, waiting to explode.

“The night clubs contribute to the problem but there are many seminars and workshops being held in this town. These bring in many visitors who spend a number of days here. The HIV/AIDS threat here is real. I receive new patients daily. When you ask them whether they have any idea how they contracted it, they always say it was some guy who came for a seminar or at the clubs.”

A senior CCM official who spoke on condition that his name remain anonymous told the ‘Sunday News’ that the party was concerned over the dirty business. Last June there was a police swoop but the sex trade did not end because the demand for services of the call girls is always there.

“To wipe out this business, we need joint efforts with the police, journalists, HIV/AIDS and gender activists. Warning bill boards could also play a useful role,’’ said the politician.

When approached for comment, the Morogoro Regional CCM Youth Chairperson, Latifa Ganzel, said the person who knows most about the business is the one involved in it. “If you have a bar, do you ask your customers their background?” said Ms Ganzel.

It seems a pity that the politicians have their heads buried in their political dossiers. The Morogoro sex industry is vast and blatant in the way it goes about seeking trade and indulging its customers.

MAONI YANGU
Ulipokuwa Mji kasoro bahari, Morogoro uliheshimika kwa kutoa wacheza soka mahodari na kusifia maji yaliyotiririka kutoka milima ya Uluguru iliyopo katika TAO LA MILIMA YA MASHARIKI (THE EASTERN ARC MOUNTAINS).

MCHANGO KWA WANAMBONGI WA TANZANIA

Imechangiwa na Mwalimu Bashiru Ally wa Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam, 17/10/2009.

Wanambongi, salaamNaomba nami kuchangia kidogo mjadala kuhusu swala la mpasuko katika Tanzania. Kwa maoni yangu mpasuko katika jamii yetu upo. Mpasuko huu unajibainisha katika sura nyingi kama vile pengo kubwa katika kipato cha chini na wenye kipato cha juu. Katika lugha ya kisasa mpasuko huu unajibainisha zaidi kwa jina la umaskini. Kwa mda mrefu tumekuwa tukipambana na umaskini, ingawa umaskini unaongezeka. Mbinu za kila namna zimetumika ikiwa ni pamoja na kuweka vigenzo na viwango vya umaskini. Hivi sasa wapo maskini wakubwa na wadogo, maskini wa kike na kiume, maskini wa mjini na wa vijijini, maskini mwenye njaa na masikini wa kipato, maskini anayeishi katika mazingira hatarishi na kadhalika.Mifuko ya uwezeshaji imeanzishwa, taasisi za fedha za kukopesha maskini zimeanzishwa, mafunzo ya ujasiriamali yameendeshwa hadi vyuo vikuu. Yote haya hayapunguza kiwango cha umaskini Katika kutafuta majibu ya kwanini umaskini unaongezeka ingawa vita dhidi ya tatizo hili inapamba moto, UFISADI ukaonekana kuwa ndio chanzo kikuu cha kuongezeka kwa umaskini nchini. Wakajitokeza wannchi kutoka katika kada mbalimbali kupambana na ufisadi. Kadri mapambano hayo yanavyozidi kupamba moto ufisadi kama ulivyo umaskini unaongezeka na hivyo kuongeza zaidi umaskini. Tatizo ninalolipata katika vita dhidi ya ufisadi ni kwamba mapambano dhidi yake hayalengi kukabiliana na vyanzo vikuu vya ufisadi pamoja na vikwazo vya mapambano ya ufisadi. Hata mapambano ya umaskini nayo yanakabiliwa na tatizo kama hili.Kama alivyosema Kweka, hakuna mkakati wa kuwaunganisha wananchi ambao ni waathirika na umaskini na ufisadi ili washiriki katika mapambano dhidi ya maadui wa maendeleo yao. Mikakati iliyopo inawagawa zaidi wananchi na kuwakatisha tamaa. Ninaamini kwamba bila ya ushiriki wa wananchi wengi, ushindi dhidi ya umaskini na ufisadi hautapatikana. Umoja unaotakiwa hauwezi kejengwa misikitini wala makanisani kupitia matamko na miongozo au Ilani za kidini. Hata kama nia ya viongozi wa dini ni njema, miongozo yao haiwezi kupata uhalali wa kisiasa kwa kiwango cha kuvuka mipaka ya nchi au kukabiliana na upinzani kutoka katika makundi yanayonufaika na kushamiri kwa ufisadi na umaskini. Ni vyema tukatambua kwamba matatizo ya umaskini na ufisadi ni dalili ya ukosefu wa mfumo mbadala wa kisiasa na kiuchumi. Hili sio Tatizo la Tanzania peke yake bali ni tatizo la nchi zote za dunia ya tatu.Kwa hiyo mapambano dhidi ya mfumo huu yanapaswa kuwa na sura ya kisiasa katikangazi ya kitaifa na kimataifa. Ingefaa sana tukapanua mjadala wetu na kuupa sura ya kisiasa ambayo itayasambaza mapambano haya nchi nzima na pia kuyaunganisha na mapambano yanayoendelea kwingineko.Hivi ndivyo mifumo ya ukoloni na ukaburu ilivyosambaratishwa. Kila mtu bila kujali dini, rangi, jinsia,tabaka au kabila alishiriki kupambana na ukoloni na ukaburu. Ikiwa tutashindwa kufanya hivyo, mda sio mrefu mapambano haya yatakuwa na sura ya ukabila na udini. Swali kuu hapa la kujiuliza ni kwa vipi mshikamano wa kitaifa na kimataifa dhidhi ya mifumo ya kifisadi itajengwaje? Mkakati wa kwanza ni kuendeleza mijadala KUHUSU MBINU MUAFAKA ZA KUJENGA MSHIKAMANO miongoni mwa wanachi kitaifa na kimataifa na kuiieneza mijadala hii zaidi kadri iwezekanavyo. Mkakati wa pili ni kuunda vikundi huru vya kiraia vyenye malengo ya kisiasa ya kupambana na mifumo ya kifisadi popote pale ufisadi ulipo. Vikundi hivi viendeleze mapambano dhidi ya ufisadi wa kiuchumi (wizi wa kimataifa wa raslimali zetu kama ardhi na madini); Ufisadi wa kidini( kuzifanya huduma za kiroho na kijamii kuwa biashara); ufisadi wa kijamii(makuadi wa soko huria, unyanyasaji wa wanawake na watoto): Ufisadi wa kisiasa(Wizi wa kura, uroho wa madaraka,rushwa,udini, ukabila); Ufisadi wa kisomi (Woga na unafiki wawasomi). Ili tuweze kufika huko uongozi wa kisiasa, kisomi, kidini na kijamii utahitajika. Hata hivyo mshikamano wa wananchi ndioutakaotuwezesha kupata uongozi mzuri ambao wengi wanaona haupo. Viongozi wazuri wanazaliwa na kutayarishwa. Pengine tuanze pia kujadili namna ya kuwapata viongozi wazuri. Ila mjadala huo uwe mpana na uwe wazi.Mikakati ya kidini kuhusu hatima ya nchi maskini haiwezi kupata uhalali wa kisiasa na haitekelezeki.

MBUNIFU KIJANA KUTOKA MALAWI, AFRIKA

Malawi windmill boy with big fans

By Jude Sheerin - October 1, 2009.
BBC News

The extraordinary true story of a Malawian teenager who transformed his village by building electric windmills out of junk is the subject of a new book, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

Self-taught William Kamkwamba has been feted by climate change campaigners like Al Gore and business leaders the world over.

His against-all-odds achievements are all the more remarkable considering he was forced to quit school aged 14 because his family could no longer afford the $80-a-year (£50) fees.

When he returned to his parents' small plot of farmland in the central Malawian village of Masitala, his future seemed limited.

But this was not another tale of African potential thwarted by poverty.

Defence against hunger

The teenager had a dream of bringing electricity and running water to his village.

“ Many, including my mother, thought I was going crazy - people thought I was smoking marijuana ”
William Kamkwamba

And he was not prepared to wait for politicians or aid groups to do it for him.

The need for action was even greater in 2002 following one of Malawi's worst droughts, which killed thousands of people and left his family on the brink of starvation.

Unable to attend school, he kept up his education by using a local library.

Fascinated by science, his life changed one day when he picked up a tattered textbook and saw a picture of a windmill.

Mr Kamkwamba told the BBC News website: "I was very interested when I saw the windmill could make electricity and pump water.

"I thought: 'That could be a defence against hunger. Maybe I should build one for myself'."

When not helping his family farm maize, he plugged away at his prototype, working by the light of a paraffin lamp in the evenings.

But his ingenious project met blank looks in his community of about 200 people.

"Many, including my mother, thought I was going crazy," he recalls. "They had never seen a windmill before."

Shocks

Neighbours were further perplexed at the youngster spending so much time scouring rubbish tips.

“ William Kamkwamba's achievements with wind energy show what one person, with an inspired idea, can do to tackle the crisis we face ”
Al Gore

"People thought I was smoking marijuana," he said. "So I told them I was only making something for juju [magic].' Then they said: 'Ah, I see.'"

Mr Kamkwamba, who is now 22 years old, knocked together a turbine from spare bicycle parts, a tractor fan blade and an old shock absorber, and fashioned blades from plastic pipes, flattened by being held over a fire.

"I got a few electric shocks climbing that [windmill]," says Mr Kamkwamba, ruefully recalling his months of painstaking work.

The finished product - a 5-m (16-ft) tall blue-gum-tree wood tower, swaying in the breeze over Masitala - seemed little more than a quixotic tinkerer's folly.

But his neighbours' mirth turned to amazement when Mr Kamkwamba scrambled up the windmill and hooked a car light bulb to the turbine.

As the blades began to spin in the breeze, the bulb flickered to life and a crowd of astonished onlookers went wild.

Soon the whiz kid's 12-watt wonder was pumping power into his family's mud brick compound.

'Electric wind'

Out went the paraffin lanterns and in came light bulbs and a circuit breaker, made from nails and magnets off an old stereo speaker, and a light switch cobbled together from bicycle spokes and flip-flop rubber.

Before long, locals were queuing up to charge their mobile phones.

WINDS OF CHANGE

2002: Drought strikes; he leaves school; builds 5m windmill

2006: Daily Times writes article on him; he builds a 12m windmill

2007: Brings solar power to his village and installs solar pump

Mid-2008: Builds Green Machine windmill, pumping well water

Sep 2008: Attends inaugural African Leadership Academy class

Mid-2009: Builds replica of original 5m windmill

Mr Kamkwamba's story was sent hurtling through the blogosphere when a reporter from the Daily Times newspaper in Blantyre wrote an article about him in November 2006.

Meanwhile, he installed a solar-powered mechanical pump, donated by well-wishers, above a borehole, adding water storage tanks and bringing the first potable water source to the entire region around his village.

He upgraded his original windmill to 48-volts and anchored it in concrete after its wooden base was chewed away by termites.

Then he built a new windmill, dubbed the Green Machine, which turned a water pump to irrigate his family's field.

Before long, visitors were traipsing from miles around to gawp at the boy prodigy's magetsi a mphepo - "electric wind".

As the fame of his renewable energy projects grew, he was invited in mid-2007 to the prestigious Technology Entertainment Design conference in Arusha, Tanzania.

Cheetah generation

He recalls his excitement using a computer for the first time at the event.

"I had never seen the internet, it was amazing," he says. "I Googled about windmills and found so much information."

Onstage, the native Chichewa speaker recounted his story in halting English, moving hard-bitten venture capitalists and receiving a standing ovation.

A glowing front-page portrait of him followed in the Wall Street Journal.

He is now on a scholarship at the elite African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mr Kamkwamba - who has been flown to conferences around the globe to recount his life-story - has the world at his feet, but is determined to return home after his studies.

The home-grown hero aims to finish bringing power, not just to the rest of his village, but to all Malawians, only 2% of whom have electricity.

"I want to help my country and apply the knowledge I've learned," he says. "I feel there's lots of work to be done."

Former Associated Press news agency reporter Bryan Mealer had been reporting on conflict across Africa for five years when he heard Mr Kamkwamba's story.

The incredible tale was the kind of positive story Mealer, from New York, had long hoped to cover.

The author spent a year with Mr Kamkwamba writing The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, which has just been published in the US.

Mealer says Mr Kamkwamba represents Africa's new "cheetah generation", young people, energetic and technology-hungry, who are taking control of their own destiny.

"Spending a year with William writing this book reminded me why I fell in love with Africa in the first place," says Mr Mealer, 34.

"It's the kind of tale that resonates with every human being and reminds us of our own potential."

Can it be long before the film rights to the triumph-over-adversity story are snapped up, and William Kamkwamba, the boy who dared to dream, finds himself on the big screen?

We asked for your reaction to this story. Please find a selection of your comments below.

Kudos to this lad for his perseverance. The answers to Africa's problems lie within - not from well meaning do-gooders from the West giving continual handouts. He'll go far and probably end up as prime minister of Malawi. Sue, London UK

This remarkable example shows how much of a contribution one could make by taking an initiative with a sound vision. Ziyad, Maldives

My response? I am in (joyful) tears. This is a great example of perseverance and steadfast hope despite "dire" circumstances. It also affirms the need to share education and technology, to empower people to find sustainable solutions to their circumstance. Thank you for your perseverance and positive spirit to help your own people. May people like you multiply. J. Miners, Canada

This story is splendid, it is solid. It is what the whole of Africa should hear and learn about. It will ignite a new spirit in the continent's young minds who badly need such inspiration to get Africa going. Accomplishing something out of obscurity and carving a place for yourself in history like this Malawian shows that the human potential can never be limited, thus Africa could change if this mindset is nurtured and developed. Brima Karl Samura, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Amazing triumph of the human spirit over adversity. What a remarkable and staggeringly honourable young man. I am inspired and humbled by him. I hope this fabulously positive story goes on to change the negative attitudes that have plagued Africa. Made my day! Raj, London

William's achievements portray that anyone can do anything as long as they hope to do it and don't stop at only hoping but aim at making it happen. It shows that there are possibly other intelligent kids out there in Africa but what they lack is perhaps resources or vigour that they can make great things happen. This shows that if we Africans worked together as a team, and solved problems not as individuals, we would not be bothered at all by drought and power problems, most especially in our rural areas. I hope our young generation gets to read your story William, am sure it will change many hopeless minds that have always thought 'they can't'. Tell them William, tell them, that 'YES WE CAN' Daisy, Kampala, Uganda

I love what this boy has done because he has used his own innovative ideas to power a village. I work in rural Kenya and I will definitely use this story as a case study to the youth who feel so desperate to make something of their lives but don't often have anyone to look up to that made it with little education like them. Tess Ochino, Nairobi, Kenya

He is a star for Malawi in this world of technology. This shows the potential of poor Malawi and Africa. There are many potential youths in Africa but poverty is hindering them to rise. It could have been a good idea that funds that got lost through corruption and wars were used to provide an environment for such potential intellectuals to achieve their God given dreams/capabilities. Gerald Mabveka, Lilongwe, Malawi

What a fabulous, heart warming story. Congratulations on all of your hard work. You will be an inspiration to everyone who reads or hears about your triumphs. One of my former students Leo who is from Shandong, will go to the Gobi Desert in Inner Mongolia to install wind turbines in November. David, Xi'an, Shanxi China

While not wanting to detract from this chap's achievements, I'm very surprised that this is not already common across the region. On my travels to South America, and mainly Patagonia - where there is no concept of electricity or running water outside the main towns - people have been using windmills to pump water for livestock and themselves, as well as generate electricity, for decades. One would think that it was an obvious solution for NGOs and charities working in poverty and drought stricken countries. But good luck to William: well done! Joseph, London, UK

It is amazing for a school dropout to do such a thing. It should be a lesson to all Africans that nothing is lost, no matter what the situation. So Africans should all work no matter where they find themselves. God should enlighten him to do great things. Isaac Tuffour, Effiduase-Ghana

Congratulations for publishing for once a positive story! Mr Kamkwamba was able to achieve his dream because he went to school and had the opportunity to have access to a library, but also because he believed that changes can be made. What a lesson to teach to our European youth who complain about everything, and have all the opportunities and but no will to use them positively. Burke, Brussels, Belgium

Such are the stories that Africa needs. Stories that can inspire and galvanise our youths to think big. And maybe shame our leaders to be positive in the interest of their people. Babshow, Lagos, Nigeria

Now that's inspirational and that's how you would change the world. Physically making changes and not all that political talk. Helen Lau, London

Reading this almost brought tears to my eyes. What a great story - human determination in the face of real adversity. I feel humbled. Warm regards to the young man! Brian Cockburn, Tunapuna, Trinidad & Tobago

Definitely a remarkable story. Who says one person cannot make a difference? It is certainly a story worth telling the world about as it inspires us to become the best that we can be, and never give up. My sincere congratulations to William! A young man that puts many adults to shame. Karen O'Connor, Bunbury, Australia

Amazing story, but a shame BBC has not done it justice. For all the implications Mr Kamkwamba's remarkable story raises, the article's conclusions disappoint. The "boy" who "dared to dream"? Will he get a film deal? Is this really what one takes away from Mr Kamkwamba's achievements? A severely disadvantaged young person applied his effort and abilities to address a serious problem, and greatly improved his community's quality of life. His innovation is an inspiration to millions, exemplifying the kind of home-grown sustainable development western governments and NGOs have scrambled after (and spent billions on) for years, with marginal success. Mr Kamkwamba, and others like him, need more attention, support and resources to expand their work. Not speculation on their Hollywood prospects. At the very least, they deserve more mature, respectful coverage of their stories in the future. Jessica Donovan, Kigali, Rwanda

I just wish to say that if I were ever given the opportunity to meet William Kamkwamba I would express an enormous gratitude for allowing his story to circulate the world. He serves as an inspiration to everyone, especially to our generation, the ones who are currently struggling to graduate and become what he has - an individual who has shown strength and endurance to positively influence his community as well as everyone else residing in other more technologically advanced areas of the world. Thank you Mr Kamkwamba! Natasha, Miami, FL

Our governments in Africa need to encourage these people. It is unfortunate that these people are not recognised and assisted accordingly. Imagine, I am in Malawi but I have learnt about this man through the BBC. Patrick Gondwe, Blantyre, Malawi

That is what Africa truly wants. I am very proud by the deeds of Mr Kamkwamba. He has a wonderful mind. We shouldn't expect everything from someone else to teach us. If we look inside and use our potential, it is possible we can make a difference. Wishing you success in your future endeavours! God Bless you! Anteneh Tadesse Asmamaw, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

This is a really inspirational story. So many young people get sidetracked when they find themselves in difficult life situations but this youngster has the resilience of our ancestors. He is truly a leader and a hero. Congratulations. Nadia, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines

It's amazing to see how much talent and commitment we have in this world, it seems this world could gain more if we were to concentrate more on the less fortunate and third world countries. I believe it's the only way forward rather dealing with the politicians. Wonder how many of this kind we have out there, together we can change this world just by looking to the next person to you and offering a hand or advice if you can. Richard Mupfumba, Horley, Surrey, UK

It is indeed a great joy to see a talented young African brother having a big dream to modernise his community with water and electrical supply. Africa has a lot of talented youths but there are no resources to work on. The intelligent poor children have no seats in the classroom and our greedy politicians are only looking after their own interests. Job well done my brother, I hope many will take your steps in the love of our own people. Let Africans think positively for our way forward and stop the killing and corruption. Musa Badjie, The Gambia

After all that effort: "Before long, locals were queuing up to charge their mobile phones." Sigh - and what did they use before? Robert Cailliau, Prevessin-Moens France

It is due to his zeal and vision to help his fellow countrymen that he dared to make his dream come true. We should have more such people and the world will be a better place Lawrence Lim, Singapore

Kamkwamba's story is a story of defying impossibilities, determination and that is what the world needs!! Nkomo Dingilizwe, Zimbabwe, Harare

Truly inspirational!! I'm an engineer with years of experience so I take my hat off!! Its so nice to hear something nice happening for once! Good on him and all those who he wishes to help. Paul, Lincoln, UK

As a Malawi I feel great, and would appreciate very much if African governments can do more to support these many talented young ones. Kondwani Mpahuwa, Kanengo , Lilongwe, Malawi

Kamkwamba is a gift from God. If it wasn't so, his idea could have not materialised, through the BBC. I would like his story to be published in every African country, so that gifted teenagers like Kamkwamba will come up. Congratulations Kamkwamba, I am really proud of you. Well done, and may Lord Bless you. Esther Richard Semkuya, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

There is so much hope for Africa and this young man shows what is possible with meagre resources. We do not have to wait for corrupt governments, officials or donors to sort out, we just need to go back to basics. So proud and so challenged!! Eva, Munich, Germany

I'm living in Malawi at present. Unless you've lived here you can't possibly understand just what an amazing achievement it is! I live in a city and the electricity cuts out most nights. Katy Berry, Formby Merseyside UK

What an inspirational story! He has shown the world, especially Africa, that the development and progress of Africa lies in the hands of Africans. Africans must dig deep into their skills and talents, using them to build their communities and nations as a whole. Nothing stopped him, despite the obstacles and challenges he encountered. I am very proud of him and if he should set up a development fund I will definitely take part because it will be for a good cause. Eddie Blankson, Toelloese - Denmark

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/8257153.stm

Published: 2009/10/01 17:04:14 GMT