Help local volunteers – the people who change lives.
Every day, people around the world step forward to help their communities. They educate and mentor young people. Respond to climate shocks and displacement. Tackle rising inequality and isolation. What they lack isn't commitment. It's access to funding when it matters most.
Donate to VSO's spark fund now, and you'll directly equip local volunteers with the training and resources they need to act on the issues that matter most to their communities.
People like Anonna, who was rescued from child marriage by a VSO volunteer. Today, she is a VSO volunteer herself and has rescued 27 girls.
Funding has been cut and this work will stop. Without urgent support, lives will be at risk. Give today to equip a local volunteer. Create the spark that changes everything.
Equip me
When crisis strikes, the people who can help are already there
I fled Myanmar in 2017 with my family because of war and insecurity. The journey was scary and extremely challenging. We had to walk from mountain to mountain through heavy rain, and my father was shot in the leg. We had nothing.
Life in the Rohingya camp has been very challenging. Aid is drying up, there are almost no jobs, and safety is also a serious concern. My younger brother was once held hostage. Many children do not have access to basic education and lack basic language skills. We can't go back, or forwards.
Through VSO, I have gained the skills that have changed my life. I learned how to become a teacher of young children and began working at a VSO education centre in the camp. This gave me insight, a sense of purpose, and an income.
I have seen children make real progress in their learning. This makes me feel proud and I believe my work has value. VSO has had a significant impact on my life by giving me skills, opportunities, and a profession. Today, I am not only building a better future for myself, but also helping children in my community survive, learn, and grow.
Right now, VSO volunteers like Hossian need support to show up for child refugees, helping them learn and have hope. Donate to the spark fund to equip a local volunteer like Hossain today.
Equip me
When girls are at risk, the people who can help are already there
One of the first stories I remember is that my parents were disappointed that I was a girl. Girls are a burden and only cost the family money. I saw my friends get married at 10 and 11 years of age and have babies way too early. I have seen so many bad things happen to girls here in the community. I was traumatised after a horrible situation with a teacher at my school. I didn’t want to be forced into marriage, face violence, and to have these things happen to anyone else.
I decided to go to a meeting, and I met VSO volunteers there. The trainings I received from VSO gave me the knowledge to know I could stop always feelingless of a person. They taught me about menstrual health, my rights, and I avoided a forced marriage.
Now I am a VSO volunteer myself and I have been able to stop 27 child marriages in my community and 9 cases of sexual abuse. I teach for VSO at a local primary school. I alone cannot change this very big problem. What I want is for girls to not have to face this.
Right now, VSO volunteers like Anonna need support to show up for girls and protect them against child marriage, early pregnancy, and violence. Donate to the spark fund to equip a local volunteer like Anonna today.
How the spark fund works
One donation. Lasting impact.
- You donate - your gift goes to VSO's spark fund.
- Volunteers receive flexible funding, quick - small grants equip and train volunteers quickly when there is no funding or funding is ending.
- Communities grow stronger - volunteers create practical solutions including equipping and training emergency responders, teachers, and health clinics.
- The spark spreads - volunteers spark others into action, strengthening volunteer networks and changing more lives.
- Then it starts again.