Blog

James Russell works at his laptop from his placement accommodation in Surkhet, Nepal.
©James Russell

Meet the volunteers fighting poverty from their living rooms

Remote working? You’re not the only one! More than 40 international VSO volunteers are giving online support to projects around the world, despite having had to return home because of COVID-19.

cambodia school girls stood at desks with their hands in the air
Thomas Roos / VSO

Kids stuck at home? Advice from a VSO volunteer teacher

Education volunteer Mary Watkins shares practical tips to learn from the pragmatism and ingenuity of these teachers in the world's poorest communities. 

Volunteer in Mozambique. Community volunteers - part of Cyclone Idai response.
VSO/Peter Caton

The enduring spirit of volunteering

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a rush of volunteers - it's an inspiring moment, and a reminder of the benefits and lasting power of volunteering.

VSO volunteer doctors Dr Kiran Cheedella and Dr David Knight at Makeni Government Hospital
VSO / Peter Caton

Coronavirus: UK Volunteer opportunities and ideas for action

We're living in unprecedented times and it's easy to feel overwhelmed - but, despite the constant stream of worrying news and growing pressure on services, now is a great time for us collectively to take positive action to help our communities.

A man works to rebuild a house damaged by Cyclone Idai in 2019
VSO/Jeff DeKock

One year on from Cyclone Idai

We hear from those rebuilding their lives a year after Cyclone Idai devastated large parts of Mozambique.

Woman standing outside next next to a river, crab fishing

Empowering women, ending dependence and transforming lives – two stories from Bangladesh

Volunteer filmmaker Sue Turbett has just returned from Bangladesh, capturing first-hand projects that are investing in the livelihoods of women.

Volunteer Ana Paula Pinto sits and reads with children in Kyakathone primary school
VSO/Nyan Zay Htet

Life as an education volunteer in Myanmar

After nearly three decades working as a teacher, Portuguese volunteer Ana Paula Pinto shares her experiences volunteering in Myanmar. Educating children here has not always been a priority but Ana Paula says that’s changing, slowly but surely.

Doctor Tsigemariam Bekalu listens to a baby's heartbeat pre-delivery
VSO/Peter Caton

Twelve hours in newborn A&E

This photo diary of a day in the life of a remote hospital in north-east Ethiopia reveals how VSO-trained nurses and midwives are fighting to save lives.

Young people in Loitokitok, Kenya throw pots of brightly-coloured powdered paint as part of the ICS-organised ‘Colourfest’
VSO/James Boosey

Triumph, heartbreak and breakthroughs: Reflecting on 2019

Reflecting on a year of inspiration, celebration and challenges that made us stronger than ever.

The volunteers who won the annual VSO volunteer awards
VSO/Georgie Scott

Celebrating the unsung heroes fighting poverty: VSO Volunteer Impact Awards

Past and present volunteers joined VSO supporters and special guests for a special celebration at London’s Royal Geographical Society on 26 November 2019.

Ugandan female farmer carries grain on her head as part of VSO's YELG project
VSO/Ginny Lattul

Rebuilding hope, trust and communities in Uganda

When Sue Howes returned to Uganda 40 years after first volunteering there, she found a country still nursing the wounds left by war, extremism, disease and despotism. Compelled to do something, Sue and her husband Greg founded a project that would help communities build themselves back up.

Bake Off David Atherton | VSO volunteer
©VSO/Georgie Scott

From volunteer nurse to Great British Bake Off winner: David Atherton

David Atherton volunteered with VSO in Malawi training nurses and midwives, before going on to support thousands of VSO volunteers and staff as part of our medical team.