Blog
Surviving Cyclone Idai: Elisabeth's story
Volunteer Elisabeth Kisakye, her husband and baby daughter endured a terrifying experience when they were battered by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique's Manica Province. But, as she explains in her report from the field, millions of others are now enduring far worse horrors. Find out how you can help.
From grassroots to government: Taking the fight for gender equality to the top
Dr Madhuri Singh has been working to end gender-based violence for over 30 years. In 2017, she used her expertise as an eminent VSO volunteer in Pakistan to take the fight against gender-based violence to the highest level.
Without engaging men, gender equality may be beyond our reach. Here’s why...
Men and women both need to be brought on board to create a #BalanceforBetter. Our experience shows that when men are engaged, they become active allies in the struggle for gender equality, writes VSO Gender Adviser Geeta Pradhan.
5 lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs – from the women who’ve been there
What does it take to start up your own business? For International Women’s Day, we speak to five women from around the world on their best business advice.
Nowrin vs female farmer poverty
As the sole female volunteer on VSO’s rural livelihoods programme in Bangladesh, Nowrin Sultana, 26, is in demand. For the last two years, she’s been working to financially empower all-female farming groups in rural communities in the northern district of Rangpur.
Making sure no student gets left behind in Myanmar
In Myanmar, with a newly-elected government and an education system undergoing major changes, we are urgently recruiting VSO volunteers to help teachers adapt.
The power of youth volunteering: Eight years of impact in eight ICS projects
Since 2011, more than 38,000 young people have taken part in ICS. Eight years later, we celebrate eight of our favourite moments of ICS impact.
Expanding horizons for Deaf youth in Kenya: Harrison’s story
Volunteer Harrison Kariuki is on a mission to end stigma and improve the lives of Deaf young people in Kenya.
You changed my life
Paralysed in her teens, Chrissy Zimba thought her life was over. VSO volunteer Sheila Lawrence helped her turn it all around. As told to Lucy Taylor.
Development through the lens: A volunteer filmmaker in Tanzania
Justin Spray volunteered in Tanzania telling the stories of some of the people whose lives VSO has touched with its work there. He explains how the power of film can be harnessed to create change.
"I thought life had ended - but life has just begun" - Whycliffe's story
Whycliffe was supported by VSO to attain an internationally-recognised vocational qualification, which has transformed his fortunes. He now employs three other young people and dreams of volunteering to help other youth in his home near Hoima, Uganda.
A night to remember: Global volunteers celebrated at VSO Awards
VSO volunteers, supporters and friends came together to celebrate the impact of volunteering for development at the Volunteer Impact Awards.