Blog

Teachers outside school

From Ethiopia to Nepal, meet the volunteer challenging the education status quo

Kam Jaga is a volunteer Inclusive Education Advisor who's challenging the socio-cultural and political barriers that prevent children in Nepal accessing a fair education. Read about his volunteer journey and the lessons he's learnt along the way.

Donne Cameron and Kathryn Gordon

Co-leadership: leading for the future at VSO

We're adopting a co-leadership model at VSO, with the appointment of our new co-CEOs Donné Cameron and Kathryn Gordon.

Family walks through rain
VSO/Suraj Ratna Shakya

Unable to leave the house: the lives of ‘untouchables’

For women from the Dalit community, abuse and prejudice are even more of a reality. Dalits make up approximately 13.8% of the population in Nepal and are discriminated against based on caste and "untouchability."

Youth outside the youth friendly clinic
VSO/Brian Ngali

The determined volunteers tackling sexual taboos

Millions of people worldwide experience barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services. Meet two youth volunteers from Kenya who are helping to change this narrative by working with young and marginalised people to promote sexual and reproductive rights..

Text: The Green Perspective Podcast

Introducing the Green Perspective Podcast!

This International Youth Day, we’re excited to introduce you to our brand-new fortnightly podcast, The Green Perspective, where we’ll be delving deeper into the ever-expanding world of sustainability. VSO Youth Climate Champions, Fridah Okomo and Cetric Mululu, are here to guide you in navigating the world of green innovation.

Youth for Sustainable Development group
VSO/Brian Ngali

Watch how VSO's Digital Ambassadors are using their skills to support their communities

We asked VSO's Digital Ambassadors to tell us what issues young people face in their community and what skills are required by young people to tackle them. Watch this film featuring our volunteers answering these important questions.

Beekeeper holding honeycomb
VSO

Pioneering the Path of Agroecology: The first VSO-led cross-country learning and partners exchange

In June 2024, VSO launched its first Cross-Country Learning and Partners Exchange, bringing together VSO project leaders and partners from Nepal and Zimbabwe to exchange best practices in small holder farmer agroecology.

Bineloge Nhembo
VSO

The youth volunteer empowering rural communities in Zimbabwe

Hear from youth volunteer, Bineloge Nhembo, about his journey to champion climate education in Zimbabwe.

Jamera on the beach
VSO/Lisa Marie David

Tapping into the world’s most staple food to weather many a storm

Rice is incredibly important to Filipinos. Not only is it a food staple, but over 32% of the workforce in the country is involved in rice farming. Read the uplifting stories of two women who are members of a rice trading co-operative.

Felix and his fellow volunteers
VSO/ Liza Oliver

"When you volunteer, you're not just a participant. You're a decision-maker"

Volunteer Felix Muendo, tells his story of volunteering as a sexual and reproductive health advisor for the ACTIVE project in Kenya.

Nirmala leading the children to class

A brighter future: the volunteers helping girls stay in school

Watch how volunteer "Big Sisters," like Nirmala, are helping to ensure children in Nepal have the best start in life by highlighting the importance of education to their parents.

Youth volunteers
VSO/Fabrice Macumbi

From volunteer service overseas to active citizenship: VSO's journey

In 1958, Moira and Alec Dickenson recruited 16 youth volunteers to go to Borneo. This was the start of our journey. The one constant throughout our story is our focus on volunteering, though now our work is informed by the idea of active citizenship.