The Dare to Dream Foundation closed its inaugural Maun Aviation Week this Friday, which was a constellation of events that sought to inspire and innovate young people in the area to consider careers and business opportunities in the field of STEAM and aerospace.
The week-long programme brought learners from across Ngamiland face-to-face with the aviation industry, combining STEM exposure, mentorship from working professionals, and practical, hands-on experiences that open the door to careers in such fields.
Maun Aviation Week grew directly out of Dare to Dream’s role as the Official Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Outreach Partner for AviaDev Africa 2026, the continent’s premier aviation development conference, hosted in Botswana for the first time from 10–12 June 2026.
As part of that outreach, Maun Aviation Week sought to extends that legacy beyond Gaborone, bringing the same inspiration and expertise directly to 100 students (50 girls and 50 boys) from primary, junior, and senior schools in Maun.
The participating students comprised of Moeti, Ngami, Tshwaragano, Sedie, Maitlamo, Tsodilo, Sekgoma junior secondary schools, Boseja primary school, Leapotswe International school as well as Maun senior secondary school.
As part of the programme, students among other things explored aircraft design and engineering principles, gained practical exposure to aerospace technology and innovation and gained first-hand insight into real careers across the industry. They also showcased and presented innovative projects and challenge solutions developed during the week.
“This week is designed to take learners from inspiration to experience, from experience to innovation and from innovation to empowerment,” said founder of Dare to Dream Foundation, Captain Kgomotso Phatsima.
She stated that Maun is not only the gateway to the Okavango Delta but also a place of opportunity and vital part of Botswana’s aviation industry.
“My hope is that when the event comes to an end, the students will not say they attended an aviation program but be delighted that they have seen their future,” she added.
Phatsima expressed confidence that among the attending students some are Botswana’s next airline captains, aerospace engineers, aviation entrepreneurs, aircraft technicians and CEOs.
She appreciated their partners noting that they are not only supporting an event but helping build a talent pipeline for the future of African aviation. “At Dare to Dream we believe that Africa does not lack brilliant young children, sometimes what is missing is exposure, access and opportunity and we are opening that door through this event.”
AviaDev Africa founder and CEO Jon Howell, shared that through their outreach program they want to inspire the next generation of aviators and leave a legacy.
He indicated that as they can’t achieve that in solation, they partner with local organisation also involved in that mission hence their support of the Maun Aviation Week.
Howell stated that after hosting young people at their recent submit held in Gaborone they wanted to bring its impact outside the city and the Dare to Dream Foundation are the one who came up with the idea of the Maun Aviation Week.
“My message to you is that aviation is not only for pilots as there are other interesting roles within the industry. So, 10 years down the line when I come here, I want one of you to be flying me, some being air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance technicians and others managing freight loading,” Howell encouraged the students.
