Å·ÃÀAV

Q&A with Å·ÃÀAV South Africa North Local Section

What inspired or motivated you to volunteer with the Å·ÃÀAV?
Patricia Forbes: The Å·ÃÀAV is an aspirational, professional organisation which I was keen to be associated with.Lynne Pilcher: It was the encouragement of previous committee members reaching out with a view to passing the baton that made me consider volunteering. I had seen the impact the committee’s activities had on our local chemistry community, and it was good to be invited to play a part.Amanda-Lee Manicum: I wanted to be part of a team that serves the South African community by contributing to the everyday challenges that our country faces.Thishana Singh: I volunteered so that I could represent KwaZulu Natal on the Å·ÃÀAV South Africa North committee so that I can promote chemistry across the province.Vincent Nyamori: Motivated when working with a great team towards a good cause, learning to understand more about the community we represent and the exciting activities that bring about awareness or events that showcase the advancements in the chemical field.

Tell us about any highlights or memorable experiences you have had as a volunteer.
Patricia Forbes: Attending the Member Networks Conference in Nottingham in 2023 was a professionally enriching experience. It was fantastic to meet the Å·ÃÀAV staff and other Å·ÃÀAV office bearers in person.Lynne Pilcher: For me, highlights have been the opportunities I’ve had to hand our Å·ÃÀAV sponsored prizes to deserving recipients, either postgraduate students who have won presentations or to the leader of a local high school science club who organized participation in the Å·ÃÀAV global experiment.Sadhna Mathura: I’ve enjoyed promoting chemistry through our Periodic Table project. This project has reached different parts of South Africa.Thishana Singh: In 2023, I successfully convinced the WiS committee to include schools in the event and not limit it to industry. It was a HUGE success.

Do you have any advice for managing volunteering commitments alongside a busy work life?
Lynne Pilcher: Work can easily consume your whole life, volunteering need not take a lot of time, but a little time well invested can make a big difference and the corresponding time doing a little extra ordinary work would likely go unnoticed.Vincent Nyamori: There is more that life offers outside work life, and being actively involved in volunteer activities can be very rewarding and fulfilling. These commitments can be fun and sometimes even a compliment to your busy work life.

What impact has volunteering with the Å·ÃÀAV had on you, either personally or professionally?
Patricia Forbes: Chairing the Å·ÃÀAV Local Section South Africa North and representing the International Local Sections on the Å·ÃÀAV Member Networks Committee has been an excellent opportunity to broaden my scientific networks and to engage with like-minded chemistry volunteers from around the world.Vincent Nyamori: Being involved in various roles as an active Å·ÃÀAV member has significantly promoted my career, giving me great exposure and the opportunity to share my contributions while learning skills from other scientists and hands-on experiences from organising scientific events.

What advice would you give to somebody contemplating volunteering with the Å·ÃÀAV?
Patricia Forbes: The time and effort spent on volunteering is definitely worth it – become involved and make a difference by giving back and supporting our chemistry community!Sadhna Mathura: It is a very rewarding experience for professional development as well as for the development of others through the promotion of chemistry in the community.