We are thrilled to announce that Girls Fly Africa (GFA) is one of the 2025 ISTAT Foundation Grant recipients. This generous funding will play a crucial role in shaping our strategic initiatives and enhancing the development of our programmes and projects aimed at empowering the youth, girls and women in the aviation and aerospace industry.
At Girls Fly Africa, our mission is to transform the lives of youth and girls across the continent by focusing on five key pillars: education, innovation, outreach, sustainability, and technology. These pillars form the foundation of our approach, enabling us to create a meaningful and lasting change in the communities we serve.
A significant component of this grant will support our Design, Repurposing, and Restoration Project. This initiative aligns with our mission and is also crucial to our long-term strategy of revitalising old hangars located throughout South Africa. Our vision is to transform these underused spaces into dynamic centres that not only foster talent but also stimulate innovation within the aviation and aerospace industry. Moreover, our efforts in revitalising these hangars emphasise a commitment to sustainability.
Through thoughtful design and innovative practices, we aim to embrace upcycling and recycling methodologies, ensuring that our projects not only contribute to skills development but also promote environmental responsibility.
Through this project, we also aim to create vibrant environments where young people can explore career opportunities, receive hands-on training, and engage in mentorship programs that empower them to become leaders in the fields of aviation and aerospace. This project will serve more generations to come. We believe that by investing in these future leaders, we contribute to a more inclusive and diverse workforce that will shape the future of these industries.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the ISTAT Foundation for the support and belief in our mission. This grant not only signifies recognition of our efforts but also reinforces our commitment to creating impactful change in the lives of young people across Africa.
About The ISTAT Foundation
The ISTAT Foundation is the charitable arm of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT). Founded in 1994, the ISTAT Foundation invests in and fosters the future of aviation across the globe by supporting individuals and institutions that promote the advancement of commercial aviation and humanitarianism. Annual grants from ISTAT itself, and contributions from individuals and companies, support the ISTAT Foundation’s four programs — Scholarships, Grants, Internships and Education. For more information, please visit www.istat.org/foundation.
About Girls Fly Africa
Girls Fly Africa is a non-profit and public benefit organisation established in 2017 to promote the sustainable economic empowerment, leadership, and personal development of youth, girls and women in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics fields, focusing on the aviation and aerospace industries. The organisation focuses on raising awareness, providing. Mentorship, facilitating skills development, and building networks to empower the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals in Africa. For more information, please visit www.girlsflyafrica.org
