The Book in Common kick-off event was a great joy, and it was wonderful to see so many people there. Here is the speech I gave:

Your honor, Mayor Ann Schwab, Chico State President Paul Zingg, Butte College President Van Der Ploeg, community of Chico, Faculty, Staff and students, greetings from Burkina Faso, Africa!

It is an honor celebrating with you the uplifting story and achievement of William Kamkwamba. Courage, perseverance and determination are the foundation of his genuine idea to create a windmill which is now shifting living conditions in Malawi. Not only do I like the book, but I also live it and believe that this book is an awakening to all, especially to the youth across the 53 countries of Africa and the entire world. His story is a foot print for all of us to follow as we try to make our education count. Margaret Mead said: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

I share Mr. Kamkwamba’s goal of helping others learn to provide for themselves, and with the community’s support, have created Feeding Nations Through Education, a grassroots nonprofit organization developed here in Chico to raise literacy in Africa. Please check it out right here at the table!

I know there are a lot of children across Africa with genuine dreams but who, unfortunately are victims of diseases, famine and poverty, exactly as Williams and I once were. Would you please join us in giving them an opportunity to succeed? In honor of the land I came from, Africa, and in honor of the land I am standing on, the United State of America, with respect to Ann Schwab, Mayor of Chico, to the Leadership of both Chico State and Butte College, and on behalf of our author William
Kamkwamba, I welcome The Boy who Harnessed the Wind to be our book in Common.

Thank you and God bless you.

-Koala