Boy who turns air into power
Boy who turns air into power
Nestled in Chinguwo Village, Traditional Authority Chiwere in Dowa District, Ernest Andrew has become a shining light in his remote community.
Using what he calls an air-powered generator, the 18-year-old produces electricity that light 15 houses and the neighbouring Kongwe 2 Primary School for free.
“I dropped out in Form Two, so I’m happy that learners now study even at night and it is my goal that they stay in school until their dreams come true,” he says.
Andrew’s power generation system converts air currents into electricity for the rural setting.
His innovation has brought hope and light to the community excluded from the national grid, which powers about 12 percent of households nationwide, according to the 2018 census.
Access to electricity is even lower in rural areas where only four percent are connected to the grid 44 years since the inception of Malawi Rural Electrification Programme in 1980.
Ironically, Andrew’s village is just two kilometres from Dowa Town where Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) distribution lines stop.
This personifies how access to energy is skewed against rural areas where 84 percent of Malawians live, according to the census.
Andrew finds it unfair and retrogressive that while 37 percent of urban dwellers have access to electricity, 94 percent of the rural population still gropes in the dark.
This power imbalance, coupled with his affinity for wires and magnets, fired his search for a solution.
Having dropped out of school in 2018, he dedicated himself to his passion.
“After about six years of relentless effort, I achieved success just three months ago, he says. “My system harnesses air currents, transforming them into electricity which powers energy-efficient bulbs.”
The rustic power generator comprises rusty bicycle parts, used plastic bottles and transformer boxes.
And Andrew dares to dream bigger. He envisions electricity transforming his village into a busy town, where the youth can stay put to make money instead of migrating to neighbouring cities.
In his mind’s eye, he visualises enterprising villagers charging phones, operate barbershops, selling cold drinks and even running maize mills.
Every day, he wakes up early and wears his work suit and gumboots to fulfil his dream.
“I keep improving the innovation every day because with greater power output, we can do more,” he says.
To Andrew, electricity is a catalyst for development.
He dreams of connecting every homestead in his locality.
The uncurbed idea of the youngest child in a family of three has won admirers beyond his community.
Lately, it has attracted government officials, scientists, non-governmental organisations and international journalists.
National Council of Science and Technology director general Gift Kadzamira stresses the need to support and nurture Andrew’s potential.
“A committee has been formed and stakeholders are joining forces to encourage and uplift this young innovator,” she says.
Joseph Chiwaula, deputy director responsible for the performance of government institutions in the Office of the President and Cabinet, says innovative minds are crucial for the push to achieve the Malawi 2063.
He encourages the young inventor to patent, protect and allow his innovation to flourish and benefit the nation.
Chiwaula states: “Andrew’s invention is not only transforming lives but also aligning with the broader goals of the Malawi 2063, which focuses on mindset transformation and poverty alleviation through wealth creation.
“The government pledges its support, recognising the treasure in his innovation and its potential to contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.”
Joyce Phiri, whose house is powered by Andrew’s unorthodox generator, feels relieved that she finally has access to electricity.
“I no longer have to spend money on torches and batteries, thanks to the free energy provided by Ernest,” she says.
While waiting for system upgrades, Phiri plans to venture into the business of charging neighbours’ phones at a fee and cooking using electricity.
The innovator’s father, Andrea Chinguwo, heads the village
Looking back, he says: “From a young age, Ernest loved to play with wires, batteries and radio parts.
“I’m not surprised with what he has done. I hope this innovation will benefit the community and take him far.”
Andrew remained steadfast in his pet project amid doubts and discouragement.
“Many people don’t understand how the power system works. Some say it doesn’t make sense and others express have safety concerns, but I will not be discouraged,” he challenges.
Andrew appealed for support to replenish parts, boost power output and improve safety measures.
He is following in the footsteps of his hero William Kamkwamba, another Form Two drop out who built a windmill from scrapyard metals to beat hunger and poverty in T/A Wimbe, Kasungu. Kamkwamba’s feat at the age of 13 is immortalised in film director Chiwetel Ejiofor’s the well-recieved movie, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
Locals in Dowa say Andrew is not just illuminating houses. He is lighting up his community’s pathways to a brighter future and inspiring young people to dream bigger. n
