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Kajuju, founder of Women Aviators in Africa, has seen and experienced first hand the continent’s potential for continued development in the aviation sector and has made it her personal endeavour to engage young women and the youth of the African culture in this growing industry:
This saying constantly haunted me even after my flight training was put to a halt due to lack of funds. Though it was a very distressing period, I knew I could not leave my dream unfulfilled and therefore began looking into aviation scholarships to apply for. When I found out about the WCA scholarship, I made it my priority to apply and was determined to get it. When I received an email from Sandra Clifford stating that I had won the scholarship, I could not help radiating my excitement as this was the first time I ever won a study scholarship. It was at that moment I realised the mark left after winning a scholarship. It was one of those few times I felt that I could do and be anything I dreamt of in this world. Not only the confidence of conquering the world and knowing that my dreams too shall be fulfilled, but knowing that there were others who believed in me, my dreams and vision.
Early April, I received an email from Christi Dobelli asking me if I was planning to attend the 10th EBACE convention in Geneva. I told her that I had it written in my bucket list and believed I was going to make it. During my 12 hour flight to Geneva, a lot went through my mind. I remembered the first time I met the ladies two years ago in Sandefjord, Norway, during the 4th conference of Aviation and Women in Europe. The excitement I felt just by the thought of how impressive these women were was indescribable. More unbelievably so these same women have become my mentors, friends, and even family. On the first day of the convention, I had a chat with Liz Clark who made me realise the beauty in sharing my dreams with people who cared. Her exact words were, ‘how will we know what you need, if you don’t let us know what you need?’ I followed her advice, and the response seconded her advice. I have always wanted to start an aviation library, but I figured that it would cost me a lot. Following Liz’s advice, I shared this dream with Amy Laboda, who suggested using a personal car as a start. That was such great advice and just this week, I delivered the first bunch of books to an aviation club in Nairobi. I learnt that there is always someone out there willing to help. All you need to do is ask. There is a beauty in sharing ones dreams with others so that they grow and develop, therefore this convention acted as a platform for me to share my dreams and find ways to actualize them. Another thing I have learnt is to appreciate any opportunities that come my way. Opportunities will not always knock on your door twice, I believe, so whenever you get the chance or opportunity to do something go for it. After three days of a full convention and two days of travelling, I left Geneva with plenty of ideas and energy to execute them. I am now fully charged to finish my IR training, planning for the one week aviation fair the first of its kind to be held at the Nairobi International Fair and most importantly WAFRIC’s second conference, whose theme this year is the diverse careers in the aviation industry. Two years ago, I would never have guessed that I would be where I am today. But I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help and guidance from people I have met through my journey. Not only that but the fact that they believe in me and my dreams and visions. And that I am forever grateful. The confidence I have gained from winning this year’s WCA scholarship gives me more determination and encouragement in mentoring and guiding students towards their aviation goals and dreams. Women in Corporate Aviation is a networking and mentoring group that has grown out of Women in Aviation, International, (WAI) and encourages its members to use the resources of WAI to enhance their own career growth opportunities.
Further background to Women in Corporate Aviation in general and Kajuju Laiboni in particular can be found in this week's ViewPoint by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert: "Women, a power to be reckoned with"
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