Dropping In: African Female Pilot, Palesa Khoza, Inspires Students at Women’s Day Celebrations

Skateistan
Aug 24, 2017 · 5 min read

In celebration of National Women’s Day in South Africa, our Johannesburg Skate School prepared a full day of festivities supported by the Embassy of Denmark in South Africa. We invited along two special guest speakers: firefighter Lydia Mashela and pilot Palesa Khoza to be part of the day. The two successful women inspired students with presentations about their personal journeys and careers, and then spent the day with them answering all their questions and joining in with the day’s activities. Palesa wrote a heartening account of her day with the Skateistan students.

Words by Palesa.

On August 11 2017, I delightfully honoured an invitation to speak at Skateistan for their woman’s festivities. My excitement was through the roof but it could not have prepared me for the excitement and joy I was welcomed with at Skateistan.

Joyful smiles on the faces of the younger students at Skateistan in Johannesburg.

Skateistan is a non-profit organisation which was founded in 2007 in Kabul, Afghanistan. There currently work in 3 countires around the world namely Afghanistan, Cambodia and here in our very own Maboneng, Johannesburg. Skateistan uses skateboarding and education to empower the youth. With over 50% of its students being female it only made sense that they host a woman’s day event during this month.

Their focus is on children between the ages of 5–17, with a main focus on the inclusion of girls. In the context of South Africa Johannesburg, the Central Business District was the perfect location for Skateistan to open the Skate School due to its dense population, its large numbers of people from low-income backgrounds as well as being an overly neglected environment that prevents the thorough growth and development of young minds.

You are probably wondering why the name Skateistan, because what could be cooler than a super smart skateboarder (Skate Einstein). Hahahaha, well that’s my theory anyway.

I digress, the point of this is to talk about my experience at Skateistan. My experience was beyond what I could have imagined. People seldom realise how much the youth is impacted by the words adults use around them, we take it for granted that children are far more intelligent than we care to acknowledge.

The youth of Skateistan were excited and eager to attend this event and had no desire to miss out on anything. The biggest surprise for me was their level of discipline. I had never encountered that many young minds in a confined space that were able to remain quiet for that long while I told them about my journey as an African female pilot. In fact, I was more surprised at the number of questions that came after the talk, which for me was an indication of the piqued interest in what I had to say.

My task was to talk about the challenges faced by women in male dominated industries. Personally I find that the most sexist oppression comes from people of colour, my own people. The aviation industry is a tough industry to crack whether you are male or female, black or white.

In order to succeed in anything one should avoid focusing on what does not benefit them. Negative thoughts, people who are afraid of their own strength, status quo, all these can lead you into depression if you spend too much energy thinking about them.

Facilitator Wendy (left), myself (on the right).

At some point after my talk one of the girls, she must have been about 6, approached me to ask me how one flies an aircraft and I tried to explain it as best as I could without using complex aviation jargon and at the end of my explanation she jumped in and gave me a tight hug. At that point I realised the great importance of having such events, in particular for young minds, because that seemingly insignificant moment could be the moment she realised she could become anything she ever wants to become.

Some of the festivities held were a showcase of the students skating skills and I was really impressed.
The girls also had a dance routine they had arranged for us, which I thoroughly enjoyed too. The girls were beside themselves with excitement, as was I.

The children of Skateistan are highly motivated, excited about life and about being the change they wish to see in society, although I doubt they are aware of this. With the help of the highly dedicated Educators they are able to maintain high levels of motivation and excitement about everything despite their parents’ low income.

The facilities at Skateistan are well maintained and provide a great safe learning environment, as well as a place for the boys and girls of the local area to make lifelong friendships. It is safe to say that I truly believe those children are in good hands, and have a great future ahead of them.

“You never know how far your words can carry a person. Always be kind and NEVER assume the little ones are not listening.” — Palesa Khoza

Learn more about our work and what we do to continue to inspire and empower youth and children in Johannesburg at skateistan.org/what-we-do/

Johannesburg

Skateistan offers a safe space for local children to play and learn whether at “Skate School” or Outreach sessions. Every afternoon programs are offered for children aged 5–17 years to join in after school. To take part in skating, creative arts, homework help or career advice.

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Skateistan

Written by

Non-profit organization empowering children through skateboarding and education. Find out more and support at skateistan.org.

Johannesburg

Skateistan offers a safe space for local children to play and learn whether at “Skate School” or Outreach sessions. Every afternoon programs are offered for children aged 5–17 years to join in after school. To take part in skating, creative arts, homework help or career advice.

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