Seeking social change
Northcliff reisdent goes abroad to fight for social change in Africa and other parts of the world.
Barbara Baloyi is committed to social change, and has been appointed to the Global Volunteer Network Foundation’s (GVN Foundation) Advisory Board.
Baloyi, who lives in Fairland, will be working with other advisory board members from around the world to raise awareness for the work of the GVN Foundation.
The foundation is a non-profit organisation with special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
They work to inspire action through a range of unique campaigns, including Eat So They Can, and Live Below The Line.
The funds raised through these campaigns are distributed to grassroots organisations in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Baloyi is a teacher by profession and taught in rural communities for more than 10 years. She later worked with community development organisations like the New Nation School in Braamfontein, the American Peace Corps, and the Royal Bafokeng Economic Board.
She is currently involved with rural development through small-scale mining. She became involved with the GVN Foundation to teach and support rural projects in Uganda on a voluntary basis during her leave from work, which she regards as “responsible tourism”.
This experience highlighted the similarities between the plight faced by women and children in South Africa, and the world at large. She was then inspired to join the GVN Foundation so that she could raise funds to support their work.
Eliza Raymond, executive director of the GVN Foundation, is thrilled to have Baloyi on their advisory board. “We feel very fortunate to have Baloyi our board. Her expertise in teaching and community development, combined with her passion to make the world a better place, will enable the GVN Foundation to thrive and positively transform the lives of many more vulnerable women and children,” said Raymond.
Baloyi will be hosting a number of events to share her experiences and discuss the possibilities of taking part in GVN projects.
Details: Barbara Baloyi 082-337-4831.