The 8th Edition of the FLY FOR STEAME Southern Africa Initiative, held on November 30, 2024, was a remarkable success, inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators in Botswana. This year’s event brought together students from Acacia Primary School in Jwaneng, a school that has been an active participant in the program since 2023, to experience the exciting world of aviation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
FLY FOR STEAME, an initiative by Dare To Dream Foundation, has been empowering young minds since 2020, providing hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and entrepreneurship (STEAME). Through this initiative, students are introduced to various STEAME fields, with a special focus on aviation and aerospace technologies, to spark their curiosity and open doors to endless possibilities.
A highlight of the 8th Edition was the presence of Gabriela Renate Bennemann, the German Ambassador to Botswana, who served as the Chief of Flight for the event. Her role went beyond just leading the flight overhead Gaborone; she also shared an inspiring message with the students from Acacia Primary School. In her speech, Ambassador Bennemann reflected on her journey, resilience, and the importance of pursuing bold dreams, encouraging the students to aim high and explore the vast potential of aviation and other STEAME fields.
“Each one of you has the potential to soar, just like the planes we see today. Be curious, be courageous, and never stop dreaming,” said Ambassador Bennemann, leaving a lasting impact on the students.
The students from Acacia Primary School participated in an unforgettable experience, taking a flight over Gaborone, which was made possible through partnerships with Air Botswana and the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB). In addition to the flight, the students engaged in robotics workshops and motivational sessions, further developing their skills in coding, problem-solving, and leadership.
The 8th Edition was made possible through the continued support of key partners, including Air Botswana, CAAB, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies Botswana. Liquid Intelligent Technologies, the official internet connectivity partner for the initiative, shared their commitment to ensuring that the next generation of Botswanans is equipped with the necessary digital skills to lead in the future.
“We are proud to support this initiative and witness the excitement of young people, especially girls, as they explore the possibilities within STEAME fields. This is the future we want to build together,” said Odirile Tamajobe, Managing Director of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Botswana.
Through this event, Dare To Dream Foundation continues to ignite the passion for innovation and leadership among young students, inspiring them to pursue careers in STEAME fields and contribute to Botswana’s growth. The foundation’s broader mission includes the establishment of a Youth Aviation Development Hangar at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, a hub that will provide hands-on aerospace experiences and education for the youth.