Children using tablet computers in a Malawi classroom | VSO
©VSO/Amos Gumulira

“Be ready to meet new people and build communities, gain knowledge and a sense of purpose.”

Hear from Lameck Dition Sandram from Malawi, who volunteered in Sierra Leone where he worked on VSO’s Unlocking Talent (UT) project, applying his 25 years of experience in education to train staff and collect real-time project implementation data. 

Womens Group, Yambio, Mozambique
Bob Campbell

My incredible volunteer journey - Dr Bob Campbell

Dr Bob Campbell has used his professional experience and skills to support VSO’s programmes in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, and South Sudan. Here reflects on his journey with VSO, it's most memorable moments, and the key things it has taught him.

Deaf student making bags at a Deaf School vocational centre with VSO national volunteer. Rwanda
VSO/Ben Langdon

One year on - My life since winning a Volunteer Impact Award

In 2020, we honoured the volunteers who went above and beyond to make a difference, through our Volunteer Impact Awards. A year on, find out what our winners have been up to since winning the awards.

A teacher shares best practice as part of the Building Learning Foundations project in Rwanda
VSO

How one volunteer is making a difference to school children in Rwanda

Melba Pyne, 56, from Colombia, recounts her experience volunteering with VSO in Rwanda where she coached head teachers, both in country and remotely, after the pandemic cut her placement short.

Woman sitting by a wall in Nepal
©VSO/Omar Havana

Wolf at the door: Last chance to avoid COVID-induced famine

Mounting evidence shows food security has dwindled during the pandemic, especially for the most marginalised. Without urgent action, a year of famines looks increasingly likely in 2021.

Mojo smiling with her classmates
©VSO/Peter Caton

Mojo is back in school

Mojo’s education ended abruptly when she was just eight years old. She had few prospects other than marriage at a very young age. But as Susan Martinez explains, one kind gesture has helped turn Mojo’s life around, with a ripple effect in the community.

Overcoming life's challenges: Edwin's story

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

Teacher Josephine in Rwanda
©VSO/Kayibanda Alice

I keep going because I have a passion for teaching

Josephine earns just £12 a month as a pre-primary school teacher in one of the poorest districts of Rwanda. She's finding creative ways to bring learning to life using old rice sacks and bottle tops, as part of a programme to improve early childhood education in the country.

Bake Off David Atherton | VSO volunteer
©VSO/Georgie Scott

From volunteer nurse to Great British Bake Off winner: David Atherton

David Atherton volunteered with VSO in Malawi training nurses and midwives, before going on to support thousands of VSO volunteers and staff as part of our medical team.

Elaine Bhate on placement
©VSO/Allison Joyce

It's a family affair

In 1990, healthcare worker Elaine Bhate left the UK to volunteer as a VSO midwife. Almost three decades later – her daughter Ria, 19, followed in her footsteps. We caught up with them to understand how volunteering overseas changed their lives.

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