The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is based on a true story. William Kamkwamba was a 14-year-old boy growing up in poverty and famine outside of Kasungu, Malawi. The film depicts his quest to address the community’s dire situation following a drought in 2000. In 2001, famine struck the country, leaving death and despair. The primary plot line of the movie is William’s struggle to make a difference by overcoming obstacles. “Before I discovered the wonders of science, I was just a poor farmer in a country of poor farmers”, he said.
Through his interest in science and physics, William determines that a windmill could pump water and generate electricity. William builds an electricity- generating windmill from scraps and spare parts that he has salvaged from discarded waste in Malawi.
We are watching the movie because it is an example of self-management, teamwork and influence in action. It is an opportunity for us to observe and reflect on motivation, persuasion, determination, diversity, and many of the other themes we have discussed in the course.
Aspects of teamwork and collaboration that you should be watching for and thinking about include:
How conflict is managed.
Persuasion and influence in the face of crisis.
How individuals develop in the context of a community.
How power impacts individuals and communities.
This orientation is an aid designed to help you collect your thoughts on these subjects both as you watch the movie and as you reflect on it. Please print out a copy of the worksheet and prepare to take some notes while watching. Please submit the worksheet on Canvas. I will use the worksheets to get a better understanding of how you and your teammates collaborate through discussion. The submission of the worksheet and participation in the discussion board will be your grade for the homework assignment in A3.
How do the following characters develop as individuals over the course of the movie: William’s father (Tyrell), William’s cousin (Geoffrey) and William’s friend (Gilbert)?