Blog

Volunteer Jockim with schoolchildren.

Meet Faridah, the teacher trainer making a difference in a Ugandan refugee settlement

Faridah volunteers on VSO's early childhood education project working in the BidiBidi refugee settlement in Uganda, as a teacher educator. Learn more about her volunteer journey.

Woman working on farm

From Lake to Land: How Mrs Sokea turned challenges into green growth on Tonlé Sap

For more than 30 years, Mrs Sokea and her family grew vegetables to support themselves. However, she faced many challenges and her crops were often invaded by insects. With VSO's help she's adopted modern climate friendly farming techniques to improve her livelihood.

Illustration of climate change
Rocio, 19, Bolivia

VSO leads the charge for inclusive climate action at COP29

Watch a powerful film presented by VSO at COP29, where children and youth share their fears and hopes for a sustainable future using the power of art and poetry.

Susan & Michael

Remembering Susan and her passion for education

Michael has found a wonderful way to pay tribute to his wife, Susan - a VSO volunteer who taught English in Sierra Leone in the 1960s - helping to transform the lives of children in Sierra Leone.

Picnic at a 1986 training lunchtime

Reflections of 30 years: My time as a teacher trainer in Nepal 1985

Meet Anna Robinson, a British woman who volunteered as a VSO teacher trainer in Nepal in 1985. 30 years on from first arriving on placement, Anna has returned to Nepal. In this blog Anna shared her highlights and learnings from her experience.

Raj films a couples session in Nepal
VSO/Suraj Ratna Shakya

The year 2024 in photos and the stories behind them

Here we share some of VSO’s iconic imagery over the past year that capture the resilience and determination of the communities and volunteers we support and pay tribute to the people behind the lens.

Lawrence Ochieng

'Here's to every volunteer' - an inspiring song from volunteer and artist Larry Dwayne

Known in the music industry as Larry Dwayne, Lawrence Ochieng is a Kenyan volunteer, hip-hop artist, and activist who uses his platform to raise awareness about climate change. Listen to his original song, 'Volunteer'.

Dev accepting his Active Citizenship Award

Meet the 2024 Volunteer Impact Award winners

Our annual Volunteer Impact Awards celebrates the incredible impact made by VSO volunteers across the world. Learn more about our four 2024 winners.

Melba Pyne and Claude Ndayizeye on a call

Video blog: In conversation with two education volunteers in Rwanda

Melba from Colombia and Claude from Rwanda are two very different education specialists with one thing in common, they both volunteered with VSO in Rwanda. We brought these two volunteers together to share their reflections on what it was like to volunteer with VSO. Watch the videos now.

VSO volunteer Lawrence distributing PPE to waste picker Vanessa.
VSO/Paul Wambugu

The volunteer ensuring the unsung heroes of waste aren't left behind

Driven by his passion to clean up the environment, Kenyan volunteer Lawrence is currently volunteering on a VSO recycling project in Nairobi, where he’s helping to empower waste pickers. Read about his work.

Lucy delivers presentation to children

Our volunteers give their top tips for aspiring volunteers

From local volunteering to global development projects, everyone has the power to make a difference. Hear from VSO volunteers across the globe as they give their top tips on how to make your volunteering experience impactful and enjoyable.

Female farmer in Kenya
Paul Wambugu/Obscuramedia

A letter to world leaders at COP29, from VSO's ambassadors

As youth ambassadors and advocates from some of the most flood-prone regions, we bear witness to the devastating effects flooding has on vulnerable communities, and we now call on you to take decisive action. This is our message to world leaders.