Blog

Transforming individuals, communities and societies through active citizenship
Volunteers are an incredible resource, who are making a vital contribution to the delivery of the sustainable development goals. They are also stepping up to question, to challenge, to hold decision makers to account for their actions.

A quiet revolution: Women rise above traditions in conflict-scarred communities
In a secluded marshland in the southern Philippines, women are emerging from the solitude and loneliness of their homes, reclaiming their place in the community and learning new skills – and it’s all thanks to your support.

Beekeeping a sweet alternative to mining in Tanzania
Tanzania is a land rich in minerals, and mining is one of the country’s leading industrial sectors. However, the extractive industries cause many problems. But now there’s an economic alternative to mining through....bees! Read more
From Kenya to the Philippines, meet the volunteer igniting change across the world
Vilma Esoto is a remarkable national volunteer working hard in the Philippines, where she ensures that out-of-school youth get the relevant mentorship and leadership skills they deserve to achieve a prosperous future.

The volunteer empowering women in the world's largest refugee camp
Rukaiya Siddika is a VSO volunteer and ICT in Education Specialist who works on the Education in Emergencies programme in a refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Read her volunteer story.

The role of youth in development
For decades, the Global South has been predominantly populated by young people, yet their voices and perspectives have often been overlooked in development discussions and initiatives. VSO recognises the immense potential that young people have to actively participate in development.

Meet the VSO volunteer unleashing the power of education to combat climate change
ChoCho is currently a national volunteer in Myanmar. Here she reflects on her incredible volunteering journey with VSO so far and explains more about what her role entails.

Watch Brown – a film by volunteers Brown Niyonsaba and Justin Spray
Brown is a heart-warming film by VSO community volunteer, Brown Niyonsaba and volunteer filmmaker, Justin Spray that explores the question 'what does it mean to be a Deaf woman in Rwanda?' Watch the film here.

Meet the volunteer providing psychosocial support to those affected by conflict
Kamal Jaga, 40, from the UK, volunteered on the VSO Psychosocial Support Project in Ethiopia, a country ragged by internal conflict that created an estimated 2.2m internally displaced people. Read his story.

Our priorities for 2023-4: A message from CEO Philip Goodwin
Philip Goodwin, VSO Chief Executive Officer outlines our priorities for 2023/24.

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.

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.