Creating lasting change by unlocking the power of people
We know that simply sending money can’t make the kind of lasting changes we all want to see. So, we unlock the power of people, bringing together local, national and international volunteers to work alongside the world’s most marginalised and vulnerable communities to build generational change.
We have experience working in over 90 countries
We've worked with over 80,000 volunteers.
We've supported over 50 million people
Support us with a donation
Other ways to support VSO
Fundraise for VSO
We’re stronger when we stand together. So, we’ve made some simple how-to guides to provide inspiration and support for your own fundraising initiatives. Find out about fundraising in your community, together with your friends, or in your workplace.
Remember VSO in your will
A gift in your will can make an impact on the world that lasts for years to come, helping communities build better lives for themselves and access the kind of education, healthcare and opportunities we all take for granted.
Volunteer with VSO
Help build a fairer and more just world by standing shoulder to shoulder with vulnerable communities, helping them build better lives for themselves.
Areas of work
Inclusive education
Making sure everyone gets the skills they need to live a fulfilled, dignified life.
Over the past five years we have supported almost 3,500,000 children to access the quality education they deserve.
Resilient livelihoods
Ensuring people have the skills and opportunities needed to support themselves and their families.
770,000 people have benefited from our work supporting livelihoods over the past five years.
Inclusive health
Improving health services for all and empowering the most marginalised to exercise their right to quality care.
Over the past five years we have helped over 3,600,000 people access better healthcare.
Latest news
Hear stories from volunteers and communities and stay up-to-date with the latest VSO news.
Family planning for the deaf
BBC Africa recently visited the UK Aid funded “Delivering Equitable Sustainable Increases in Family Planning” (DESIP) project in Kenya where they captured our work helping young women with hearing impairment with information on family planning. Watch the short film here.
Helping women benefit in Tanzania’s male dominated mining industry
Women stand to gain much from Tanzania's male dominated mining industry. Find out how a VSO project is supporting women - and youth and people with disabilities - to access equitable opportunities in the sector in Geita and Mara.
How technology is improving early grade children’s learning in Sierra Leone
Michael Conteh, a Sierra Leonean national aged 31 years, is volunteering on the Unlocking Talent through Technology project in his home country. Read about his experience helping to improve and accelerate learning outcomes for early school years children.
Our vision
Vision, values and strategy
A fair world for everyone. Creating lasting change through volunteering.
Volunteering for development
Our unique volunteering for development approach puts the most marginalised people first.
Annual review
Read our full annual review for 2020-21, and download reports from previous years.
Volunteering with VSO
Make an impact by sharing your skills and experience with some of the most marginalised people in the world. Become a VSO volunteer.