"They are seizing opportunities and technology, and finding solutions to their own problems, " Mealer said.

CNN: Malawian boy uses wind to power hope, electrify village

Mealer, a native of San Antonio, Texas, said he lived with Kamkwamba in his village for months to write the book.

CNN: Malawian boy uses wind to power hope, electrify village

Former Associated Press correspondent Bryan Mealer, who covered Africa, wrote a book, "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, " after hearing Kamkwamba's story.

CNN: Malawian boy uses wind to power hope, electrify village