Blog
![VSO Chief Executive Philip Goodwin speaks animatedly at a conference about the Sustainable Development Goals](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2020-12/25100-philip-goodwin-sustainable-development-goals.jpg?h=bbbdc7e4&itok=q8gCW57a)
Our priorities for 2023-4: A message from CEO Philip Goodwin
Philip Goodwin, VSO Chief Executive Officer outlines our priorities for 2023/24.
![Mangrove nursery project](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2023-06/Philippines%20Livelihoods%20Mangrove%20Nursery%20Project%20February%202023%20RS77273.jpg?h=4997dc06&itok=b00DmnWK)
Video: The Humble Mangrove Tree
Check out our video which tells the impressive story of how VSO volunteers in the Philippines are harnessing the hidden power of mangroves, nature and community to create real sustainable change for families.
![Arifa](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2023-06/Bangladesh%20education%20Coxs%20Bazaar%20Arifa%20Volunteer.jpg?h=f37166d9&itok=faXTL1va)
The volunteer helping Rohingya refugee children regain their childhood
Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugee children are living in camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, having experienced conflict and trauma. Arifa is a VSO volunteer is championing play-based learning to help these children regain their childhood.
![Dress shop in the Phillipines](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2023-06/Phillipines%20Livelihoods%20Isis%20refugee%20blog%20dress%20making.png?h=c9c76477&itok=ChfQ6FN_)
From destruction to dressmaking - the story of two inspiring women
Every minute, 20 people are forced to leave everything behind to escape conflict or persecution. But they aren’t just crossing international borders to seek refuge in other countries. For some people, that isn’t an option.
![Nicoline at the market](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2023-05/Cambodia%20Livelihoods%20RECOVER%20Nicoline%20Laman%20Coorporate%20volunteer%20Randstad%20at%20market.jpg?h=0b443693&itok=56qMQAD2)
“Bringing about change is always a two-way process" - Nicoline's journey in Cambodia
Nicoline volunteered on VSO's Rural Employment for COVID-19 Economic Recovery (RECOVER) project in Cambodia, helping rural communities to build sustainable livelihoods. Learn more about her volunteer journey.
![Rice trading project in the Philippines](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2023-05/Philippines%20Livelihoods%20%20Rice%20Trading%20Project%20Jamera%20Janurary%202023%20RS77203.jpg?h=4997dc06&itok=9N4gJjcs)
Four ways you’re helping communities cope with the climate crisis
As our planet warms and our weather gets more extreme, raising awareness and galvanising climate action is more vital than ever. Learn how you're helping the communities bearing the brunt of climate change, adapt and survive.
![Volunteer Jonito at the Kulambagan ecotourism site.](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2023-05/Philippines%20Livelihoods%20%20Community-based%20Ecotourism%20Project%20volunteer%20Jonito%20in%20VSO%20t%20shirt%20February%202023%20RS77438.jpg?h=106aee75&itok=1-r-bl79)
How we're championing active citizenship
VSO is supporting communities around the world to take ownership of local issues, lead and shape their own development, and raise their voice with decision makers to improve the way in which public services are delivered.
![Girls in a biology lesson](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2023-03/Cambodia%20Education%20PDUSS%20Net%20Yang%20school%20in%20Battambang%2C%20biology%20lesson%20girls%20with%20science%20equipment.jpg?h=93368af4&itok=eDqvVLQ2)
My experience improving STEM education in Cambodia
After retiring from a successful career in the UK as a science teacher, Sean McMorrow shared his skills and experience to help Cambodian children pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and maths.
Help keep children in Pakistan safe
Right now, Pakistan is reeling from devastating floods which left a third of the country underwater. As the country grapples with the effects of a changing climate, it’s children who are being left behind.
![Janefer Boke outside Nyamekongoroto catch-up centre, Migori, southwest Kenya](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2020-11/RS69343_KENYA_FEBRUARY_2020_EDUCATION%20FOR%20LIFE_PWK_-0354-scr_crop.jpg?h=47bb384a&itok=yQd4wcxp)
5 facts about women's rights around the world
While much progress has been made towards creating equality for women, the fight continues. In this blog, we celebrate some key achievements of women around the world and understand how much further we have to go...
![Kenyan youth group](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2022-09/Kenya%20Livelihoods%20YEEP%20project%20climate%20youth%20farming%20group.jpg?h=3532a842&itok=MiFElCCn)
5 inspiring female volunteers to celebrate this International Women's Day
On International Women's Day 2023, we want to recognise our female volunteers at VSO and celebrate the power of female volunteerism. Meet five inspiring female volunteers.
![Children reading on a step Children reading on a step in Tanzania](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/IMG-20170726-WA0002.jpg?itok=C_H-OMHI)
Inspiring books and films to check out this International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a day to commemorate the social, political, and economic achievements of women all around the world. To celebrate, we have compiled a list of five inspiring women-centric films and books that we recommend you check out!