Blog
![A man works to rebuild a house damaged by Cyclone Idai in 2019](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2020-03/mozambique-idai-recovery-construction.jpg?h=deed8170&itok=f_AUTtM2)
One year on from Cyclone Idai
We hear from those rebuilding their lives a year after Cyclone Idai devastated large parts of Mozambique.
![Woman standing outside next next to a river, crab fishing](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2020-03/Bangladesh_Livelihoods_crab_farming_sathibang.jpeg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=nMKJaQgo)
Empowering women, ending dependence and transforming lives – two stories from Bangladesh
Volunteer filmmaker Sue Turbett has just returned from Bangladesh, capturing first-hand projects that are investing in the livelihoods of women.
Life as an education volunteer in Myanmar
After nearly three decades working as a teacher, Portuguese volunteer Ana Paula Pinto shares her experiences volunteering in Myanmar. Educating children here has not always been a priority but Ana Paula says that’s changing, slowly but surely.
![Doctor Tsigemariam Bekalu listens to a baby's heartbeat pre-delivery](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2020-02/63581-ethiopia-mnh-doctor-checks.jpg?h=74780405&itok=RZoLAqKF)
Twelve hours in newborn A&E
This photo diary of a day in the life of a remote hospital in north-east Ethiopia reveals how VSO-trained nurses and midwives are fighting to save lives.
![Young people in Loitokitok, Kenya throw pots of brightly-coloured powdered paint as part of the ICS-organised ‘Colourfest’](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2020-02/65701-kenya-ics-photo-competition.jpg?h=4bbd2073&itok=oS-k5vaw)
Triumph, heartbreak and breakthroughs: Reflecting on 2019
Reflecting on a year of inspiration, celebration and challenges that made us stronger than ever.
Celebrating the unsung heroes fighting poverty: VSO Volunteer Impact Awards
Past and present volunteers joined VSO supporters and special guests for a special celebration at London’s Royal Geographical Society on 26 November 2019.
![Ugandan female farmer carries grain on her head as part of VSO's YELG project Ugandan female farmer carries grain on her head as part of VSO's YELG project](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/RS30908_Uganda%20June%202016%20YELG%20Gulu%20_GL-6989-lpr.jpg?itok=P2ifT9rJ)
Rebuilding hope, trust and communities in Uganda
When Sue Howes returned to Uganda 40 years after first volunteering there, she found a country still nursing the wounds left by war, extremism, disease and despotism. Compelled to do something, Sue and her husband Greg founded a project that would help communities build themselves back up.
![Baker and VSO volunteer David Atherton Bake Off David Atherton | VSO volunteer](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/RS15619_Malawi_GScott_0161.jpg?itok=zDptvfVT)
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.
![A team of ICS volunteers sit on the steps outside a building](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2020-01/48840-cambodia-ics-battambang.jpg?h=9d6e018e&itok=noC_kaMA)
Join the fight to stop orphanage tourism
Our network of over 35,000 youth volunteers is joining in efforts to end orphanage tourism and other harmful 'voluntourism' schemes.
Here’s a big thank you to our unsung classroom heroes
We say thank you to all the wonderful teachers we work with, across VSO.
![Phyness Kankhwali, a teacher on VSO’s Unlocking Talent programme, teaches in the classroom at the Mdzobwe Primary School in rural Lilongwe Phyness Kankhwali, a teacher on VSO’s Unlocking Talent programme, teaches in the classroom at the Mdzobwe Primary School in rural Lilongwe](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/RS63200_Malawi_May_2019_Unlocking%20Talent_JDK_School%2040-lpr.jpg?itok=nV88QPqn)
We’re training the teachers of tomorrow, today
There are now more children in education than ever before, but millions are leaving school without basic reading or maths skills. The solution? We think it begins with better teacher training.
![Monir, 5, participating in learning at an ECCE centre. 31 were supported by VSO, in Camp 15 situated at Jamtoli of Ukhiya. Monir, 5, participating in learning at an ECCE centre. 31 were supported by VSO, in Camp 15 situated at Jamtoli of Ukhiya.](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/RS65544_Bangladesh_August_2019_Rohingya_MHO_1707-lpr1.jpg?h=6ac15628&itok=S-RwaVwq)
Creating smiles in a Rohingya refugee camp
One year ago, VSO supporters donated £130,000 to help Rohingya children living in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. One year on, we look at the tremendous impact the project has made for thousands of people.