Our 2024 award finalists

EAGLE (Empowering Adolescent Girls to Learn and Earn)

Since 2022, Nelma Joaquim has been leading efforts to improve education for adolescent girls in Manica Province, in Mozambique. Nelma has been pivotal in enhancing inclusive digital literacy and numeracy programmes by working closely with the teachers and local authorities.

Nelma’s leadership has strengthened collaboration between the community and international volunteers, helping them to understand and adapt to the local culture. Nelma’s work has contributed to improving educational outcomes for girls, with more girls staying in school and excelling academically. Nelma and her fellow volunteers on the project support 2,500 girls across Manica Province.  

Celestin Karekezi, National Volunteer from Rwanda

Twigire Mumikino Rwanda (Let's Learn through Play), Lego Foundation

Celestin has played a key role as a volunteer on the Let's Learn Through Play project, supporting early childhood education through developing digital platforms. Initially an early childhood education  learning facilitator, he contributed to developing content for the VSO SCHOOL App, a learning management platform for volunteers, educators and students to create and share learning materials. Celestin’s work was focused on translating, digitising, and uploading modules onto the app.  

After transitioning to an EdTech volunteer, Celestin improved communication with app developers, supported teachers in troubleshooting, and trained over 900 early childhood teachers on app usage. His work enhanced the accessibility and interactivity of digital learning materials. He helped translate content into the local language Kinyarwanda, facilitating its integration into the national education system. 

Fareeda Jumma Khan, Community Volunteer, Pakistan

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) multi-year resilience programme

Fareeda transformed her home into a learning centre for out-of-school Afghan refugee children, providing essential facilities like drinking water, electricity, gas, and washrooms. Overcoming resistance from conservative community views, she conducted door-to-door campaigns to shift attitudes and support children's enrolment.

Applying her training in mental health, life skills, and disaster risk reduction, she created a positive learning environment. Fareeda played a key role in engaging the Afghan refugee community, addressing misconceptions about girls' education through awareness campaigns and meetings, ultimately building trust and gaining community support for the education centre. 

Sena Getenet, National Volunteer, Ethiopia

ACTIVE

Sena has played a key role on the ACTIVE programme and the Integrating Peacebuilding, Development and Humanitarian Efforts on the Kenya and Ethiopia Cross Border (IPDHE) project, driving data-driven decision-making and enhancing project outcomes.  

Through her expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, she implemented VSO's Measuring Impact for Learning and Empowerment approach, amplifying the voices of primary actors and ensuring accurate data collection. Sena trained community volunteers in data gathering, strengthened teamwork, and fostered collaboration among stakeholders. Her efforts have improved accountability, sustainability, and real-time project insights. Sena's problem-solving skills and commitment have significantly impacted VSO Ethiopia’s projects.

Active Citizenship Award

Our Active Citizenship Award winner will be decided by you, the public. Cast your vote today!

Vote now

Dev Upadhyaya Dhungel, National Volunteer, Nepal

SIKAI (Inclusive Education Project in Baglung district) Hempel Foundation

Dev Upadhyaya Dhungel, a dedicated volunteer for the SIKAI project in Nepal, has made significant contributions to improving education in his community. He has raised awareness among parents about the importance of education, encouraging regular school attendance and parental involvement. Dev also advocated against corporal punishment, leading to a reduction in such practices in schools.

He promoted child-friendly practices by establishing complaint response committees and child clubs to empower students. His efforts have increased school attendance, improved the learning environment, and strengthened parental and community engagement. Through teamwork and collaboration, Dev has ensured lasting change and sustainable educational improvements in the community. 

Jockim Mukeh, National Volunteer, Uganda  

ACTIVE

Jockim Mukeh has played a key role in enrolling children with disabilities in school, using a tool to help caregivers assess these children during enrolment. He trained caregivers and teachers in inclusive teaching methods, leading to a significant rise in enrolment at early childhood education centres and primary schools.

To encourage retention, Jockim supported the creation of school kitchen gardens to improve nutrition and launched a savings and loans program for parents, promoting financial literacy and challenging disability stereotypes. He also engaged male champions to shift views on fatherhood and reduce gender-based violence. His efforts, including tree planting and adaptable learning materials, have created lasting change. 

Aye Mya Mya, National Volunteer, Myanmar

ACTIVE

Aye Mya has provided high-quality mental health and psychosocial support training to education leaders, community volunteers, and partner organisations in Yangon. She facilitated Numeracy For All training for monastic teachers and staff, focusing on inclusive teaching with low-cost resources. She developed a curriculum for displaced children, emphasizing basic literacy and numeracy, and used mental health support to enhance their well-being.

Her collaboration with the Myanmar Education Consortium led to policy-level changes, including a framework for early childhood care and development. Aye Mya's commitment to sustainability is evident through communities of practice she established, and her teamwork and digital literacy support demonstrate her dedication to lasting change. 

Eliud Moris, National Volunteer, Tanzania

Boosting the Blue Economy (BBE) project, Randstad

Eliud Moris has been nominated for his outstanding contributions to youth development and the blue economy during his five years with VSO. He has supported over 300 technical and vocational education and training trainees and jobseekers by providing marketable skills, career guidance, and networking opportunities. His holistic approach to youth empowerment emphasizes asset building, leadership, and advocacy, helping young people achieve economic goals and resilience.

Eliud's work has boosted youth participation in policy consultations and led to the creation of over 232 youth-led enterprises, alongside mangrove restoration efforts. His collaboration with partners and focus on sustainable change have been key to advancing project goals.

Join us at the awards

The Volunteer Impact Awards celebrate the work of VSO volunteers in helping the lives of the most marginalised in society. Join us to learn about the impact VSO volunteers are making across the world and meet your winners.

Register now