15-Yr-Old Kelvin Doe Wows M.I.T.

15-Year-Old Kelvin Doe is an engineering whiz living in Sierra Leone who scours the trash bins for spare parts, which he uses to build batteries, generators and transmitters. Completely self-taught, Kelvin has created his own radio station where he broadcasts news and plays music under the moniker, DJ Focus.
Kelvin became the youngest person in history to be invited to the "Visiting Practitioner's Program" at MIT. THNKR had exclusive access to Kelvin and his life-changing journey - experiencing the US for the first time, exploring incredible opportunities, contending with homesickness, and mapping out his future.
Here is a link to the Bobby Fala track in the video on SoundCloud: / kpei-ragga
Photos courtesy of Adam Cohn (www.adamcohn.com/) and Paula Aguilera
PRODIGIES is a bi-weekly series showcasing the youngest and brightest as they challenge themselves to reach new heights and the stories behind them.
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[@americanpatriot3667]

And this is how great people are born

[@StudioAnnLe]

It's incredible to see how sharp this kid is, yet so grounded and humble. Inspirational!

[@milkshakeCet33]

This kid not only is INSANELY smart but he has a HUGE heart! His mind set is to share and help his people. He will go very far in his journey and make great impacts to the world around him.

[@jackdare]

Reverse engineering electronic devices & components without so much as a voltmeter or potentiometer is pretty impressive!

[@josesoarezz5780]

How can people just dislike this video??? Seriously, HOW???

[@louiscyr9055]

Bravo, Bravo, Bravo ! RESPECT for this young man. Thank to the teacher. Beautiful story.

[@hipchickfitness]

there are a lot of genius out there that needs to be discovered, I sure hope Kevin will go far to reach his dreams

[@TheRedMekanik]

It's sad to me that people in the U.S. will simply throw away old electronics and such, like its trash. Think of what Kelvin here could do with an old VCR, or washing machine. I wish he had access to some of our "garbage", because I would love to see what he could do with it. What he could make out of it. As a future engineer myself, I have huge respect for you, Kelvin. Keep solving problems and improving things.

[@janithemani]

dis guy doe

[@rafaelborja9446]

He's amazing, to help doing this in his community and many others like his; it is really important to give them material so they can work. Especially in poor places, it will be really important to show them how to build renewable energy.

[@soltri9969]

Real life Tony Stark. I'm really happy that we have such people in this world and I hope you will reach your goals. This video really made me cry in the end. Let's try to improve our world all together!

[@lakshanx]

Those "rich" rappers should give some cash money to this little guy

[@Matt-mx7xd]

One of the most inspirational videos I have ever watched. Track his progress!

[@gregg1321]

It's not his aptitude for invention that impresses me here, it's his amazing humility and dedication to the wellbeing of his family and fellow humans that amazes me. Whenever I find myself doubting our race I see a video like this that brings a smile to my face and I truly feel hope for our future again. I hope he does great things in his future.

[@mesharialmisnad7803]

Great People Love you my african brothers :)

[@jakesmith178]

Tbh, I cried in the part when he said he wants to help his family.. :( I dont care if he cant speak english fluently.. I care about other people!! Humanity!!

[@corygolf.]

Thank you Kelvin!

[@TheDeghohun]

Beautiful! As a teacher, this will be shown to my students to inspire them in their learning and thinking of world events. From UK

[@241192271277]

Come on dude, you're speaking about grammar? Can't you all just see his spirit and his talents?? He's simply amazing!

[@Numbnuts007]

We need teachers that care about the students and challenge them to go past the standards and shoot for the stars! In any subject and career the student is interested in.

[@3minecrafter77]

It goes a bit farther than that. Kids are not being taught the ways they need to be taught. Something a friend said to me (that i have heavily modified) once: "School is like a zoo; If you feed everyone the same thing, not everyone will survive." Kids who are bad at tests are focusing all their energy on testing. Kids that are good at thinking quickly will outshine the kids who think more slowly, but are more likely to get the right answer. Its sad.

[@RicardoR5]

This kid deserves an oportunity on MIT or something, please someone fund him to have a schoolarship on a good school.

[@Andrew_Beattie]

Africa needs more kids like Kelvin. Africa is filled with possibilities and kids like Kelvin inspire, motivate and implement change.

[@mysongrayson1]

I have been to many countries on mission trips and met kids like him....and then i come home to see how kids act here in the states and the things we all take for granted. More people should see this and learn to appreciate the life we live. God bless you DJ Focus

[@TrisyTV]

This story is absolutely incredible!

[@deontv100]

would love to meet him! you guys should have "great people outpost" where people all over the world can come and show off their "talents" that would be awesome. and plus you could have more than one!

[@sunnykiri3]

So interesting to see African boy doing this great innovation

[@majesticwizardcat]

Be creative and inspiring just because you want to live like the rest , make your world better , help people to feel better . No money out of it , just "survival" . So happy to see that there are still ppl who actually are humans with the whole terminology of the world .

[@jbarnes1960]

Now THAT's the kind example we should be showing our kids in America. He has learned to be self sufficient and depends upon noone for assistance. Truly an inspiration. If I want to send a donation and letter of encouragement directly to him, how would I do that? God Bless you for investing in him. You will change that villages whole world...and maybe ours!

[@daleparky]

I love people like this, making the most of what we have is how mankind is what it is today.

[@jaimebangs]

These are the people and things that sierra leone need at the moment. I appreciate it very much and i hope u continue living and realizing ur dream.

[@chuymon7209]

I simply fell in love with - for him to want to go back home and not be greedy enough to want to stay in America because of the opportunities available here. Not only is he smart but he's virtuous.

[@umursengul]

We, all people around the world, must help these children, prodigies... They ARE the real FUTURE of mankind.

[@WungTung]

.... technology is still mystery to me

[@128poir]

I'm so humbled by watching this..

[@shigatsu76]

Very inspirational. I hope this young man achieves his dream

[@sansanchan8289]

I love that they say "Hi" to everyone they meet, its sad that doesn't happen more often unless you're getting paid to greet someone at the door. it always makes my day better, seeing other random happy people.

[@Dolvolski]

921 People are jealous that they don't have the focus, the innovation, the creativity to help change the world today.

[@DontForgetDmentia]

much respect for the kid and mentor hope he goes far good luck.

[@ocayaro]

I have met so many kids in Africa like Kelvin, may God Bless you, David for all that you have done for him. It isn't so much about kids like Kelvin that matters the most. It is people like you DAVID, who have the wisdom to recognize them.

[@ogephil7784]

Amazing Story!!!!

[@pauljohnson1946]

Wow, things like this make me a proud African! Wish you the best Kelvin, you will do great things!

[@danielv2766]

this video is boss. Calvin is a good person. I hope god blesses him

[@strixloricatus5835]

Very, very well said! I completely agree. In my country, the arts are neglected terribly, seen as "recreation" and "idle time" at large. In my country (perhaps the entire world too?), a person who shows a talent for sports will receive more support and recognition from their community than a young engineer, a gifted painter, a prodigal philosopher, or a musical genius would. It's my hope that we'll see thousands and thousands of little Kelvin's popping up around the globe in the next generation.

[@rgrrgrsxndngr1904]

As an Indigenous person of these lands, we need the resurgence of our Indigenous education in our own communities, which can then be used along side technology focused western educations to help our world get back in balance. Kelvin is an amazing young man. He is absolutely right about doing the stuff he does just for family. I think we can take this one more step and do it for all the relations we have.

[@ForeverDauntless]

"Just to help my family" Oh how I know this feeling. My heart goes out to him and maybe one day I can utilize my talents as well to provide for my family.

[@singingnimo2024]

Brought me to tears when he was calling home being from africa I can truly relate.Thank you young african proud to see a child that has so courage hope and determination.You inspire me to work hard and help our young people in kenya as well.Love you you so so much and pray that MIT gets a scholarship your way.

[@Slayer9123]

He is absolutely one of the most amazing people I have ever seen.

[@CallumMartinMusic]

David, a suggestion: Set up a small M.I.T in Sierra Leone. Get scholarships/grants/investors for materials so that progress and inventions can be realized. Could be as trashy as a reality tv show to help financially.. not ideal but it's something. Im sure you have already thought about this.

[@didgevibratesmybrain]

"look what that poor kid in africa could do! You kids should be smart like him, you filthy spoiled brats." Most kids are not allowed to experiment. They are punished for doing things like this. People are impressed by "child prodigies" who had a chance to excel at their interest. This is what happens when you don't oppress their interest and allow them to find their own niche. How many of your students are allowed to experiment and learn on their own?

[@Keralapadam]

With a special talent like this I hope he takes it to his full advantage. If he does, he will go heights that is not reached yet and be a role model/inspiration for young innovators in the future. All the best!

[@cerise333]

here solar energy electricity where I live Monterrey Mexico, it's very crowded with people but also, lots of pollution, we need more trees and more renewable energy instead of more pollution. Love your video thanks :)

[@didgevibratesmybrain]

These would be a lot more common if people weren't determined to hold children down. People are impressed because they don't understand how to produce a good human being.

[@AzzJacka]

remind the young prodigy to stay diligent in their work, and open their talent to the full potential. Help the youth to stay innovative

[@adambamf9365]

where can i donate to kelvin?

[@rdallas81]

that's a good kid....peop[le in the usa...mostly the young don't understand how good it is here. Keep up the good work Kelvin.....

[@colg8_]

How do people even dislike this? He's such a fantastic kid and it's a truly amazing video

[@mobozaa]

now i feel like a loser

[@rynjahninjah]

Kelvin is just a stepping stone and I really hope to see more like him!

[@mlg1972mg]

I would put all my money into furthering his education .

[@alfgonzster]

This is a great inspiration. Long live DJ Focus..

[@omykron23]

He's amazing, I really am impressed. Give all people an access to education and the world will change.

[@ethanwainman4696]

this kid is just amazing. when he began to cry i nearly burst into tears.

[@daquannpauly6782]

its 928 people that don't like this video your just hateing because we have money they don't have nothing really that is a same some if us americans are ungreatful kelvin is a amazing !!!!!!!!!!!young man keep doing wat your doing kelvin a.k.a dj focus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheSupremeLord4238]

I had an exam where we had to pick someone who you admire and persuade the reader to nominate him for an imaginary award. I chose Kelvin.

[@XxTOFLY4UxX23]

The first thing to do is schools need to offer classes students want to take. Who cares about the past... what we need to care about is our future and how to make to world a better place!!!!

[@richardhamilton9797]

You have a heart, DJ Focus. It´s all great inventing things to help people but what is most important is that you feel love for everyone around you. Keep innovating and sharing your wonderful spirit.

[@Hannahplaysguitar17]

Here's what stood out to me, and what makes this so inspiring, powerful, and exciting: Kelvin's motivations are the pure motivations of a 15 year old from a collectivist culture- that is that he wants to help his family. His bravery to enter into such a different world is admirable. Innovation can be sparked by the challenge that scarcity presents. When we're challenged to open our minds and get creative, especially for younger people, we rise to the challenge. Thank you for this video!

[@designatederiver]

We need more hands on activities in school. Physically constructing things is what empowers youth to become future creators, scientists and engineers, not staring mindlessly at a board. Sure the materials are costly, but if schools spent a little more on things that actually make learning more effective, it will more than pay for itself in the long run.

[@nulnoh219]

He's like a tony stark! Garbage to electronics...

[@NFLAdam86]

A beautiful kid with unbelievable ambition with a bright future. Good luck Kelvin and god bless

[@notawitch0]

Great Job.... Very nice Kid... Keep it up young man, you guys are the future leaders of our great sierra Leone... Keep up the good work Proud of you Stay FOCUS

[@Ghost572]

Work hard to make the world a better place via technology, medicine, engineering and science my man!

[@Rhuarc]

DJ FOCUS!!

[@Kasei.T]

Human perseverance shines brightest amidst adversity. Love it! All is not lost indeed.

[@paran315]

It makes me feel ashamed for dwindling time away when I have so much more resources to study than him. I hope Harvard or MIT gives him a scholarship!

[@ThunderGod2912]

Inspiring young man, keep doing you're Kelvin a.k.a DJ Focus.

[@dawnlubka]

This was so beautiful. I feel so lucky to have seen this. Thank you!

[@TankenkaNeko]

What a phenomenal young man. I wish him the absolute best in his and his teams' explorations and inventions!

[@hjamal200789]

Dj focus you are an inspiration to all. My friend you have a good heart. May god bless you, your family, and friends. I wish you the best.

[@eligos6]

For a fifteen year old, not only is he motivated and smart. He shows a strong and better use of the English language than most native English speaking persons I know, and it is most likely that English is not his first language.

[@littlerockplanet]

hi, i am 12 yrs old and I think this is amazing. I always like building stuff and solving problems. I have recently made a game called silence, all with Java and Unity.

[@BinoandFino]

Moving and inspiring. A positive story showing ingenuity of the youth amidst the challenges in Sierra Leone.

[@joshomoore5502]

Simply amazing.

[@jensen4426]

Good luck kid, show the world how big you can be !

[@seanvincent3820]

"8 year old boy amazes m.i.t. tech " copy and post it in search window. another amazing 8 year old kid

[@aboemusic]

Very moving. It's really nice to see that established organisations in developed countries are extending a hand to help young people like Kelvin nurture their creative potential. I hope he is having a hugely positive effect on the mindset and actions of his peers back in his homeland. He is like a walking beacon of hope. It's comforting to know that there are people like David who are doing good things like this to provide encouragement and opportunity.

[@TheHoran1234]

I was proud of teaching my self differential and integral calculus when I was 11 but this guy.....wow

[@kikobilly]

Bless him. May he bring up his people.

[@AYNOTAD]

Wow he inspired me to continue believing in the original youth of this country. He reminded of the gifts we posess mentally simply by being who we are and.believing in ourselves enough to activate it. I have.to let my kings see his story. p.S. Way kewl child king wow! Welcome2daTakeover.HooRA

[@donaghcoffey7119]

this kid is a saint,what a wonderful & thought provoking mini documentary,best thing i've watched all year!!!!! i hope he achieves all he wants to help his community back home & i hope he's inspired other people as much as he's inspired me,we need more people in the world like him,what a selfless,intelligent,innovative & pensive individual.this boy is living proof that you can change your situation & improve things in your life if you want to enough,rock on positivity,rock on kelvin!!!g

[@zorianne1]

Good work from France

[@Ishy1231]

Man thats awesome!

[@spaqialex]

Man your a true talent God bless you

[@matthewwatts9068]

Very moving. I pray that he continues with his movement in his community. It still show's that there is good people in the world. Gave me hope !

[@TheDMPrecords]

good job

[@Swanlenid]

That is something I was waiting for so long... I can't say what I feel About it so i wont. Kelvin is doing what I dreamed someone could do. I'm about to do as soon as I can something that i hope will inspire many more to do as Kelvin does and many more to do as you are doing guys. Your message has been heard and will be repeated until... Until I don't know, but I'm already dreaming about one of the answer. My answer is comin (G.O.T) ;) From France

[@TheXenoEnder]

"I got the cable from a dust bin... hehehe" I love that he sees something like finding useful wire in the trash with such innocent joy. Thanks so much for this.

[@josephpeterson5353]

what an inspiration. Even in the face of adversity and decrease opportunity, calvin DJ focus shows all of us the genius in him. God bless him and his beautiful family, also the young man that brought him to MIT. A beautiful story!!!

[@ramsep17]

that was great work...... respect.....