Do you know one book can make a difference?

One book can make a difference

It is not so common to notice the power of a book simply because many of us assume that Malawian boys and girls have no interest in reading. Much as it may be true to some extent, a single book has the power to transform the life of a school going boy or girl and even those that are not in school. As a member of the world Bank youth Network Malawi, I have been a part of career talks in a number of schools in Malawi.It is inspiring to see how young students in rural areas which are considered less privilleged are so into education.

At every visit, I keep getting amazed to learn more on the dreams most of the rural school girls and boys have shared with me and the team.When these dreams are shared with the society,to some it just seem impossible considering the background of these youngsters while to others , they assume the youngsters are just too ambitious. That aside, in my moment of thought, I tried to figure out what would hinder the achievement of the so called over ambitious dreams in the girls and boys of Malawi.

A book will take them to their dreams

My memory took me back to the days when I was a primary school pupil and back to my secondary school days. I recalled  my primary school teacher reading one book for almost a class of over 20 pupils. I never sensed anything wrong with that, it was just so normal to never hold a book as a pupil in class. If one was to read a passage from the book, it was the teacher handing over the book to the pupil.Time ran so fast, and most of us entered secondary school, we expected change, we expected a different life.Those of us that were fortunate, managed to go to secondary schools that had atleast a number of books that could be circulating from one student to another. Those that weren't as fortunate as we were, continued with one book for the whole class.

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Years down the lane, The population has risen, classes are packed and the resources  remain the same. Most schools have no books especially those in rural areas that do not even own a library.Well, the thought of all this took me back to focus on  the power of a book. As i thought over it,the name William Kamkwamba popped in and as I went deep into his roots, I noted that he aint any different from any Malawian boy or girl.He is been as ordinary as everybody else, he was once in school before circumstances pulled him out.Impressively,William loved books and he loved reading. He at some point managed to access a book. He went to a school library.The library helped a school drop out come up with an innovation that opened doors he never imagined.The foundation of his innovation rose from a book....Now what would happen if we all unite in making books available and accessible in our community day secondary schools? what if every rural girl and boy has access to a book in school? would we not raise more of the William Kamkwamba's?won't we get more of the innovations?



NB: This article is written to support rural  education in Malawi as well as to support the World Bank Youth Network  Malawi "Donate a book Campaign!"If you are interested in donating a book or supporting rural education in Malawi, do not hesitate to write to the blog owner at "alibewawo@gmail.com" or find and contact  the World Bank Youth Network Malawi facebook page.
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