By Ebrima Mbaye
In a remarkable career pivot, Zakaria Sanyang, a former Mathematics and Physics teacher, has traded chalkboards for flight plans, transitioning from a classroom in Foni, The Gambia, to a licensed Flight Dispatcher with Distinction. After nine years of shaping young minds at Mayork Senior Secondary School, Sanyang embarked on a new journey in September 2024, joining the aviation industry with WAVES Company Limited. His story, marked by determination and academic excellence, highlights the power of transferable skills and the courage to pursue bold new paths.
Sanyang’s teaching tenure at Mayork was transformative. He became the first educator to break the school’s Mathematics zero-credits streak in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), a milestone that cemented his legacy. “My love for sharing knowledge and guiding young minds drew me into teaching,” Sanyang reflected. “Teaching Mathematics and Physics built my patience, accuracy, and analytical mindset—skills that continue to shape my professional attitude to higher altitudes today.”
His transition to aviation was sparked by a deep interest in flight operations and a desire to apply his scientific expertise in a dynamic, global context. In October 2024, WAVES Company Limited recognized his potential, nominating him alongside another colleague for a fully funded Advanced Flight Dispatch course in Ghana. Sanyang’s dedication shone through as he graduated with Distinction, earning his Flight Dispatcher License after acing the licensing examination.
The skills honed in the classroom proved invaluable in his new role. “I adapted smoothly by relying on my analytical foundation and commitment to continuous learning,” Sanyang explained. As a Flight Dispatcher, he now plays a critical role in ensuring safe and efficient flight operations, applying the precision and problem-solving abilities he developed as an educator. “Aviation taught me that teamwork, precision, and responsibility are vital,” he said. “Mastering complex concepts and making critical decisions strengthened my discipline and reinforced my passion for operational excellence.”
Sanyang’s achievement is more than a personal triumph; it’s a step toward elevating global flight safety standards. “Earning my Flight Dispatcher License with Distinction encourages me to aim higher and contribute effectively to the aviation sector,” he said. His role involves meticulous planning, coordinating flight paths, monitoring weather conditions, and ensuring compliance with international regulations—tasks that demand the same rigor he once brought to teaching.
His journey reflects a broader trend of educators seeking new horizons. Teachers like Sanyang are increasingly leveraging their analytical thinking, communication, and leadership skills to thrive in the aviation, technology, and logistics industries. His story underscores the versatility of teaching skills and the importance of lifelong learning in navigating career transitions.
For Sanyang, the skies are just the beginning. His success inspires educators and professionals alike, proving that with dedication and adaptability, new heights are always within reach. As he continues to grow in aviation, Sanyang remains grounded in the values that defined his teaching career: a commitment to excellence, a passion for learning, and a drive to make a meaningful impact.
In a world where career paths are no longer linear, Zakaria Sanyang’s story is a beacon of possibility. From ending a school’s academic drought to ensuring the safety of global flights, he exemplifies how skills nurtured in one field can propel success in another. As he charts this new course, Sanyang is not just flying high—he’s redefining what it means to soar.
