Melba Pyne from Colombia and Claude Ndayizeye from Rwanda are two very different education specialists with one thing in common, they both volunteered with VSO in Rwanda, working to improve education for marginalised children.
Melba worked on VSO's Building Learning Foundations (BLF) and Claude on Let’s Learn Through Play (TMR) in 2018 and in 2024 respectively. To celebrate International Volunteer Day 2024, we brought these two volunteers together to share their reflections on what it was like to volunteer with VSO and how their shared experiences shaped them as people.
What was it like when your first started volunteering?
The advice I can give is that, as I said, VSO is truly like a family where everyone feels welcome. You meet so many people—international volunteers, national volunteers—and initially, some might feel nervous about meeting people from different cultures or countries. But once you arrive, you become part of a family."
- Claude
What role did you play on the project?
What impact did you make?
What advise would you give to people thinking of volunteering?
I think it’s important to come with an open mind—being prepared to learn, prepared to share, and prepared to collaborate. There will be lots of fun, but there will also be moments of anxiety. Still, if you’re part of a group, a team, or an organisation like VSO, so it all works out in the end."
- Melba
What personal impact do you feel volunteering had on you?
Through VSO, I’ve developed skills I didn’t even know I needed, such as self-confidence and public speaking. I’ve learned how to navigate differences and resolve conflicts effectively. Volunteering here has enhanced my interpersonal skills, teaching me to harmonize activities and maintain collaboration despite challenges."
- Claude
How do you feel VSO has adapted to change?
What have you learnt from each other?
VSO Volunteer Impact Awards 2024
You can hear from Melba and more volunteers like her at our Volunteer Impact Awards, taking place on Zoom on Friday 6 December 10:00 (GMT). Register now to reserve your place.
Read more
Highlights from the Regional Health Promotion Conference 2025
The Regional Health Promotion Conference 2025 reimagined Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the lens of intersectionality, by bringing together experts from across East Africa and beyond.
Protecting the biodiversity of the East Tonlé Sap Lake through aquaculture
Aquaculture — the farming of aquatic organisms, such as eels, shellfish, and seaweed, in a controlled environment — is transforming the lives of Cambodian people like Mr Em Phat.
Five things women achieved this year that you might not know about
This International Women's Day, join us in celebrating the resilience of women across the globe with some female achievements you might not have heard about.