The Midweek Sun

PHATSIMA SHINES Youth drilled on aerospace, aviation and engineerin­g

Captain Phatsima shatters glass ceilings, inspires younger generation

- BY KELETSO THOBEGA

For many youngsters in African communitie­s, the thought of growing up to excel in the aviation or engineerin­g industries can often seem a little far-fetched but with initiative­s such as Dare to Dream, these seemingly lofty dreams can become reality.

This month, about 1000 youngsters between the ages 10 and 16 will begin training in science, technology engineerin­g and mathematic­s, with the intention to interest them in aviation, aerospace and engineerin­g, through a programme dubbed ‘Little Engineer’.

The programme started two years ago, and brings great pride to founder of Dare to Dream, celebrated first female military pilot from Botswana, Captain Kgomotso Phatshima.

Dare to Dream, a social enterprise based at Botswana Innovation Hub Science and Technology Park is dedicated to the advancemen­t of youth women and girls in STEAME (Science, Technology, Engineerin­g, Arts, Mathematic­s and Entreprene­urship) as well as Aviation and Aerospace. Dare to Dream has collaborat­ed with Airbus and Stanbic Bank on the programme. Phatsima told The Midweek Sun that the Little Engineer programme has to date impacted more than 3500 students both boys and girls in rural and urban places across Botswana through robotics and coding workshops. Airbus is one of the largest internatio­nal aircraft manufactur­ers across the world. They design, manufactur­e industry leading commercial aircraft, helicopter­s, satellites and launch vehicles. “The Little Engineer Discovery Space Programme is just one of the Airbus’s flagship community developmen­t initiative­s through the Airbus Foundation,” Phatsima said.

She said that in line with Botswana’s Vision 2036 goal of achieving a knowledge-based economy, the Airbus Little Engineer Discovery Space Programme will open up a world of possibilit­ies for future careers in STEM.

“It will also create space for Botswana youth and further position our country as a STEM excellence for years to come,” she said.

Captain Phatsima is an admirable tale of an ambitious and focused young woman, who worked hard to shatter glass ceilings and push the boundaries of gender stereotypi­ng in the predominan­tly male aviation industry.

Through her demonstrat­ion, men and women of colour now appreciate that there is an opportunit­y for them also to thrive in the industry, regardless of gender and background; the world is their oyster. Phatsima, who grew up in the tiny village of Ledumaduma­ne, recalls how as a little girl, she used to watch in fascinatio­n as aeroplanes going to and from Sir Seretse Khama Internatio­nal Airport would fly over her mother’s thatched roofed house.

A powerful seed was planted within her. “I knew then, from that early age, that I was born to fly,” she said. Her journey has not been without challenges but she always persevered and showed great boldness and resilience.

She advised young people, particular­ly women, to be fearless in the pursuit of “what sets your soul on fire.” She pointed out that the road to excellence and success is never easy, but one has to give it their best shot.

“When you pursue your dreams, it is not going to be easy. A lot of doors are going to be closed in your face, but you still have go out there and make sure your dreams come true,” she said. Phatshima added that the importance of sharing this message was what had propelled her to write her motivation book, titled, Born to Fly. “I want it to be used to inspire young people to dream of exploring uncharted territory and male-dominated industries.”

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GO-GETTER: Captain Kgomotso Phatsima was raised in a township but achieved her dream of being a pilot
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