Blog

Over the past 40 years, Gwen Owen has helped raise an estimated £50,000 for VSO, supporting better education, health and livelihoods for the world's least privileged people. Gwen says collecting for a good cause isn't just satisfying, it's keeping her young.

Chris is passionate about the role volunteering can play in changing lives around the world and so has left a gift in his Will to VSO. He shares the experiences that fostered a strong trust in VSO’s legacy. 

Charles knows his time in Tanzania gave him skills that lasted throughout his life. He has generously left a gift in his Will to VSO. Here, he tells us why.

Zainab Boima and her eight-month-old son are pupils at the Teenage Mother’s School. FINE Salone and VSO run an informal school so teen mums to continue their basic education.

Sylvester Ochieng, 28, is volunteering for a Kenya where all children have equal education opportunities. Children with hearing impairments face additional barriers to attending and making progress in school. He explains the impact he is seeing on his placement in Bungoma County.

Edwin's experience volunteering led him to recognition as a 'deaf role model' and eventually to a fulfilling job as a teacher.

Our earth and its weather systems are finely balanced. Even a small change has huge ramifications and it’s the planet’s poorest people who are shouldering the biggest burden.

Newborn deaths and infection rates have plummeted since VSO opened this intensive care unit in northern Uganda three months ago.

Fatu Conteh, 18, gave birth to baby girl Mariama six months ago and shares her story here.

These volunteers are still dedicating their time to supporting the communities they volunteered in.

Our research shows that 55% of VSO volunteers become more involved in social projects after their placements – and a third continue to work with individuals or groups they met whilst volunteering.

Salima is a farmer from northern Bangladesh. After joining a local farmer group she and her husband, Moklaser, have seen significant increases in yields and profits.