Blog

Lawrence Ochieng

'Here's to every volunteer' - an inspiring song from volunteer and artist Larry Dwayne

Known in the music industry as Larry Dwayne, Lawrence Ochieng is a Kenyan volunteer, hip-hop artist, and activist who uses his platform to raise awareness about climate change. Listen to his original song, 'Volunteer'.

Dev accepting his Active Citizenship Award

Meet the 2024 Volunteer Impact Award winners

Our annual Volunteer Impact Awards celebrates the incredible impact made by VSO volunteers across the world. Learn more about our four 2024 winners.

Melba Pyne and Claude Ndayizeye on a call

Video blog: In conversation with two education volunteers in Rwanda

Melba from Colombia and Claude from Rwanda are two very different education specialists with one thing in common, they both volunteered with VSO in Rwanda. We brought these two volunteers together to share their reflections on what it was like to volunteer with VSO. Watch the videos now.

VSO volunteer Lawrence distributing PPE to waste picker Vanessa.
VSO/Paul Wambugu

The volunteer ensuring the unsung heroes of waste aren't left behind

Driven by his passion to clean up the environment, Kenyan volunteer Lawrence is currently volunteering on a VSO recycling project in Nairobi, where he’s helping to empower waste pickers. Read about his work.

Lucy delivers presentation to children

Our volunteers give their top tips for aspiring volunteers

From local volunteering to global development projects, everyone has the power to make a difference. Hear from VSO volunteers across the globe as they give their top tips on how to make your volunteering experience impactful and enjoyable.

Female farmer in Kenya
Paul Wambugu/Obscuramedia

A letter to world leaders at COP29, from VSO's ambassadors

As youth ambassadors and advocates from some of the most flood-prone regions, we bear witness to the devastating effects flooding has on vulnerable communities, and we now call on you to take decisive action. This is our message to world leaders.

Vanessa outside her home
VSO/Paul Wambugu

The women turning waste into wages on Kenya’s dumpsites

In Nairobi, Kenya, waste pickers are working every day, cleaning up their communities by picking waste and taking it to recycling centres. Women waste pickers, like Vanessa, earn little for their essential work, and face abuse from residents who see their jobs as ‘dirty'.

Timina in the classroom.

“Having volunteers who come from the community is so important because they understand the challenges”

Timina is a passionate Inclusive Education Advisor on the ACTIVE project in Kenya. Hear how she's helping the Makueni County community to embrace inclusive practices.

Lucy Asewe with children

‘’My goal is to create lasting change, resilience and fight for those who don't have voices"

Lucy Asewe is an Inclusive Education Adviser on the ACTIVE project in Kenya. Hear how she's helping children with disabilities to receive a fair education

Nelson Onyimbi,

“Volunteering is a stepping stone to learning about the community and attracting wider opportunities"

Nelson Onyimbi is a research volunteer from Kenya, who's empowering citizens demand their rights while working with health policymakers to create a policy environment that is accommodative of the communities' needs. Here is his story.

Teachers outside school

From Ethiopia to Nepal, meet the volunteer challenging the education status quo

Kam Jaga is a volunteer Inclusive Education Advisor who's challenging the socio-cultural and political barriers that prevent children in Nepal accessing a fair education. Read about his volunteer journey and the lessons he's learnt along the way.

Donne Cameron and Kathryn Gordon

Co-leadership: leading for the future at VSO

We're adopting a co-leadership model at VSO, with the appointment of our new co-CEOs Donné Cameron and Kathryn Gordon.