Being retrenched… now what? A lesson from Africa.

by Stii

A lot of people all over the world are being retrenched due to the economic recession. It sucks. I know; I’ve been there before. It is probably one of the most stressed out times you’ll ever go through. The cold, hard, naked truth about losing your job/income is the fact that it is one of those testing times that could make or break you. And that’s what is scary…

This TED video is one I would ALWAYS hold dear and even though all TED videos are simply awesome, this one was the most inspiring for me. It is about those little obstacles we face in life.

William Kamkwamba was only 14 years old when he went to the library and read a book on using and generating energy. He decided he’ll build a windmill to generate power for his little hut in rural Malawi. He did so quite successfully! William’s dream was:

“I want to be an engineer, so I can make different things that make the world a better place, starting with my village.”

Please, do yourself the favour and watch this video. I’d love to hear what you think. More so, how is this applicable to being retrenched or losing your job? If you are reading this, it means you have the internet in some way available to you. Never before in the history has more information been available for FREE. If William could build a windmill generating power when he was merely in Grade 6, what can you do? Surely as an educated adult you should be able to do more? Then again, I guess it boils down to human spirit more than knowledge and information.

I just saw that William’s blog “William Kamkwamba’s Malawi Windmill Blog” are on Afrigator! I’m honored since I think he is one of the most outstanding individuals and if there ever is a African Person of the Year award, you can bank on it that William would be my nominee!