INVENTION SCHOOL STORY ~ Young Wealthy Inventor

MEMBERS & VISITORS:

Young Wealthy Inventor

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I believe that it is our ability to adapt, evolve and improve is what makes us human, the same way the traditional practices are not immutable, we can find a new way to better it and that has been my drive in my inventions, to better the African agricultural practices, to help my community and my continent thrive, and I believe that my story, and the story of my inventions, is a testament to the power of combining tradition with innovation to achieve a better future. It all began in a small village nestled in the lush green hills of Kenya, where I was born and raised. My name is Ashok, and I am a young inventor with a passion for using technology to improve the lives of my fellow Africans. My passion for Invention lead me to take as many courses as I could in Tharaka Invention Academy, an online school based in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya.

Growing up, I was surrounded by the traditional agricultural practices that had sustained my people for generations. But I couldn’t help but notice that these practices were becoming increasingly inefficient and unable to keep up with the growing population and changing climate. I knew I wanted to do something to change this, and so I began to tinker and experiment with ways to improve upon these traditional methods. And it was in this spirit of innovation that I created my first invention: a simple yet effective irrigation system that used the natural flow of water to water crops more efficiently.

The success of this invention was just the beginning. I went on to create a whole series of inventions centered around the development of processes and devices that improved upon traditional African agricultural practices. My inventions included a new type of drought-resistant seed, a low-cost threshing machine, and even a solar-powered water pump. But my success was not just a result of my inventions; it was also a result of my unique perspective on leadership. You see, my grandparents came to Kenya from India in the 1940s, and so I grew up with an understanding of both Indian and African cultures. And it was through my wife, who is Masai, that I learned about the traditional model of African leadership, which is based upon group consensus. I realized that this model of leadership could be applied to my work as an inventor, and so I began to involve my community in the development and implementation of my inventions. This approach not only helped to overcome resistance to change, but it also ensured that my inventions were relevant and useful to the people who were using them. I think that one of the great benefits of having a multicultural background is that you come to understand that there is more than one way to do things. And it’s this understanding that has allowed me to be so successful as an inventor in Kenya. I have been able to take the best of both worlds – the traditional wisdom of my ancestors and the cutting-edge technology of the West – and use them to create something truly new and innovative.

One of the greatest challenges I faced was the widespread belief that western technology and business practices were superior to African ways of thinking and behaving. But I was determined to prove that this was not the case. I knew that Africa had its own unique strengths and capabilities, and that we could use these to create a better future for ourselves and all of those who have a deep love and respect for Mother Africa.

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Mechanical/Solar Engineer, Prof. Oku Singer

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