"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you"

Over the course of the year, we will be looking at a range of dispositions that will help students in their learning. The first of these is to be willing - one of the most valuable qualities our students can have is a willingness to learn. 

A perfect example of this mindset is found in the inspiring true story portrayed in the film "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind". Based on the life of William Kamkwamba, a young boy from Malawi, the movie tells the story of how his determination to learn changed his life—and the lives of many others.

Faced with a severe famine and limited access to education, William didn’t let his circumstances define his future. Even after being forced to leave school because his family couldn’t afford the fees, he continued to visit the library and teach himself about electricity and engineering. His willingness to learn on his own led him to build a windmill from scrap materials, bringing electricity and irrigation to his village and helping save it from drought.

William’s story is a powerful reminder that being open to learning can lead to extraordinary outcomes. It teaches us that education isn't just something that happens in a classroom; it's a lifelong journey powered by curiosity, resilience, and creativity. Most importantly, it shows that a single student with a passionate desire to learn can have a profound impact on their community and the world.

For students at GPCC, William's story is an example of the incredible potential each of them hold when they approach learning with an open mind and determined spirit. A willingness to try, to ask questions, and to keep going even when it's tough can lead to powerful growth that not only impacts their own future but can affect others in a positive way.