Story by fellow volunteer Cheryl Tyler
What do Samsung, Toyota, and pig farmers in Timor-Leste have in common?
They’ve all benefited from the expertise and advice of Alastair Gordon, a financial and marketing professional turned VSA volunteer. Alongside his partner, Helen Reynolds, an artist with a broad skill set, Alastair has embraced the call to ‘Take your skills on an adventure’ – a slogan that Helen herself coined during a marketing workshop Alastair ran with VSA in New Zealand. Now, on their second assignment in Timor-Leste, the couple is living that motto to the fullest, bringing their diverse skills to a country where their contributions are making a tangible difference.
The motivation to volunteer
For Alastair, the motivation to volunteer comes from a mix of altruism, a desire to give back to communities less fortunate, and a personal sense of adventure. After more than a decade working in Asian countries like Malaysia and the Philippines, both Alastair and Helen discovered that they thrived in cross-cultural environments. With a background as the Managing Director of several market research firms, and experience consulting for global giants like Unilever, Toyota, and Samsung, Alastair has now shifted his focus to helping rural Timorese farmers with marketing and financial management.
With their children grown, Alastair and Helen felt it was time to give back to regions similar to those they had previously worked in, where they knew their skills could be valuable. Before volunteering, they both contributed to marketing efforts at VSA’s New Zealand head office. Recognising that their expertise would be underutilised as they grew older, they decided it was time for an adventure – a decision that has proven to be deeply rewarding.
Alastair enjoying life in Timor-Leste.
Adapting to the unknown
One of the things Alastair and Helen appreciate most about volunteering is the variety and unpredictability of the work. One day they might be tackling high-level strategic tasks, and the next, they’re hands-on, working directly with the community. No two days are the same – whether working in an office or out in the field with locals, they see the direct impact of their efforts.
Their first assignment in Timor-Leste, from 2015 to 2017, saw Alastair working with the Institute for Business Development Support (IADE), providing marketing and small to medium business development training and financial literacy. Helen, initially accompanying Alastair in a non-working role, quickly found her niche. She took on a marketing advisor volunteer role with Hafoti, a local non-profit organisation that supports rural women across several districts in Timor-Leste.
Challenges and triumphs
Adapting to life in Timor-Leste hasn’t been without its challenges. The noise – whether from the local nightclub or the ever present roosters – can be overwhelming. Learning the language and integrating into the community took time, especially for Helen when getting out to find her place here. Yet, despite these hurdles, the couple has found great satisfaction in their work.
Helen’s work with Hafoti involved teaching business skills and accounts to local women. Even when she had to leave early for family reasons, she continued supporting the organisation as an e-volunteer working online from New Zealand. Working with rural women who had limited internet access and technology skills was challenging, but Helen’s persistence paid off. She later returned to Timor-Leste to work directly with Hafoti as a volunteer marketing advisor, where she was inspired by the resilience and strength of the women she worked with. Her work culminated in a documentary that was showcased at film festivals in Dili and Nukualofa and even won a FEMMY award from the Nevada Women’s Film Festival. You can watch the video here.
Helen Reynolds.
Returning to Timor-Leste
After their initial assignment, Alastair and Helen returned to New Zealand, where Alastair took on a part-time role with VSA while waiting for their next assignment. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed their plans, but they were undeterred and returned to Timor-Leste as soon as they could. This time, Alastair is working with KAUBAEK, a microfinance company, where he again applies his expertise in marketing and finance management. His philosophy is clear: financial empowerment should drive the development of the Timorese people.
Helen, once again, found a way to contribute meaningfully. Through VSA’s Partner for Good program, she secured a position working with Reloka, a new business focused on establishing a natural dyeing centre just outside Dili. Her varied background in photography, agriculture, and science has been invaluable in helping this venture take off.
Recently, Alastair gave a presentation on profit and costing at Reloka – after which the staff thought of a new, more cost-effective and profitable product, which they have just started dyeing.
Alastair presenting at Reloka.
Reflections and advice
The couple has noticed changes in Timor-Leste since their first assignment. English is more widely spoken, and there’s been significant development in the capital, Dili. The new port outside the city has alleviated congestion in the harbour, reducing pollution and improving logistics. There’s also a growing awareness of climate change, with less plastic litter as well as signs of economic growth.
For Alastair and Helen, the most rewarding part of their work is the sense of purpose it brings. They feel younger and happier, knowing they’re contributing to something meaningful. The gratitude they receive from the local community is heartfelt, and the slower pace of life in Timor-Leste has allowed them to focus on what truly matters.
‘You find yourself less anxious about world problems and less depressed when you can help with a problem and see progress,’ says Helen. ‘The people here aren’t time-bound like we are at home, and their joy in just doing what they do is infectious.’
Their advice to potential volunteers is to find a balance in your motivation. Altruism is important, but it’s equally vital to enjoy the experience. The first three months are about settling in, observing, and learning before trying to implement changes. And after their current assignment, Alastair and Helen plan to travel through Southeast Asia and spend time with family and friends – though they wouldn’t rule out another volunteer stint if the right opportunity comes along.
Alastair and Helen are proof that taking your skills on an adventure can benefit not just the communities you serve, but also enrich your own life in unexpected ways.