AviaDev Africa 2022: Supporting local charities and the next generation

AviaDev Africa, one of The Bench’s growing portfolio of industry conferences was successfully delivered on 29 June – 1 July 2022 in Cape Town, after a three year hiatus.

At the heart of the event is an effort to maximise the event’s impact on the industry and local community, whilst also minimising its impact on the environment.

Along with a raft of sustainability measures, including the use of recycled badges and delegate bags, and supporting local labour and suppliers, AviaDev takes its responsibility seriously to leave an indelible and positive mark on the local community.

Below are 3 activities conducted alongside the event.

• Supporting local charities: Each year, we organise a run/walk in aid of a local charity and this year was no different. We supported the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) and with the support of 14 sponsors raised $7000, which is sufficient to support 200 learners affected by poverty, with a cooked nutritious breakfast and lunch every school day for an entire year.
  
• Outreach: Each year, we partner with a local organisation to deliver a day of outreach activities. This year we supported the Girls Fly Programme for Africa GFPA with their space camp.
  
• Supporting the next generation: The AviaDev Ambassador programme was devised to offer aviation students and enthusiasts with the opportunity to gain real world experience. Three winners were chosen from a competitive process. The three students were flown to the event, and they spent the week as part of the AviaDev onsite team. Additionally, they addressed the industry from the stage, raising their profile and opening the door to new opportunities.