shareTracy Pillay 's Profile
Africa Programs Advisor
Tracy is a "Proudly South African" woman who misses her "Braaivleis". Her passion is effecting change, from poverty related issues, community development to working with young people. Tracy volunteered and worked in the GVN Kenya and Tanzania programs which was life changing and encouraged her to return to Africa one day. In New Zealand, she has volunteered her time with a mentor project called Nga Ahi Kaa (YFC), where she worked with primary age young girls. Her adventurous side is expressed through cooking, running,reading a good book and travelling.
An Interview with Tracy Pillay
When people ask you 'where are you from' what is your reply:
In some instances people tell me where I am from, my answers include but are not limited to: "No, I am not from Sri Lanka, nope not Fiji" I'm grinning at this point. "Actually not India either though my six generation ancestors are from the South" Really they exclaim! "Yes, I am actually from South Africa, sunny Durban to be exact"
When people ask 'where do you work' what's your response:
"I work for an international volunteer organisation called GVN" followed by a description of GVN and the projects we work with. If this grabs their attention then I spend the next half hour trying to promote the needs of the less fortunate. I think the Australian immigration at the airport is familiar with my brief description. The quicker I get out of there the better, honestly I think its my questionable passport photo!
When people then ask 'and what do you do at GVN', what it your reply:
I am the Africa programs coordinator followed by a brief description of my role. Although some staff members, I wont mention names may want the following included in my job description: - You must provide Malva pudding on a weekly basis - Provide Curry regularly and should not be a rare occasion - All other baking including but not limited to cheesy mite scrolls, chocolate cake or muffins should present itself not just on special occassions.
Why did you end up working at GVN?:
I am passionate about working with the poor and vulnerable, what better place to start. On the flip side I really needed a job :)
What's the best thing about working for GVN?
Besides working with like minded yet diverse individuals who share the same vision; I have the opportunity to connect with altruistic and driven volunteers. Not forgetting our amazing partner organisations across the world.
When you're not at work, what's your favourite activity?
-Reading -Playing my guitar - D - A - Em - G, if only I knew more chords -Cooking & Baking with a side of friends -Running -Some outdoor adventure - "A Wander" as my friend Fuzz puts it
What's your favourite food?
Mexican with a cup of tea! Not forgetting my mums cooking.
If you could be animal, what would it be?
I think being human is much more fun!
If you could go anywhere just now, where would it be?
I will definitely teleport from one Africa program to the next! I'd be sure to pop by mums for some yummy curry :)
Who are your favourite bands/musicians?
George Benson Jamiroquai U2 Brand New Heavies Incognito
