Blog

Wolf at the door: Last chance to avoid COVID-induced famine

Mounting evidence shows food security has dwindled during the pandemic, especially for the most marginalised. Without urgent action, a year of famines looks increasingly likely in 2021.

Girls study after going back to school in Myanmar.
©VSO/Nyan Zay Htet

In photos: Children in Myanmar return to learning

After the coronavirus pandemic sparked a nationwide lockdown in Myanmar, we look at how VSO has been supporting students in Myanmar, whether they are in school or at home.

Two people sit inside at a table, wearing masks and using a sewing machine
VSO/Nicholaus Jackson

VSO survey reveals the struggle facing farmers and business owners

People supported by VSO showed marked resilience through the pandemic but have emerged with changed priorities. A survey covering nine countries reveals farmers and business owners urgently need support with innovation and training to help them rebuild their incomes. 

 

Girl in Nepal listening to radio lessons during COVID-19 lockdown
©VSO/P Mathema

Back to school: Closing the education gap for generation COVID

Schools around the world have begun to reopen, but the attainment gap for children will be wider than ever. VSO’s Lead Education Adviser Purna Shrestha outlines how to close it.

Volunteers wear masks while teaching COVID-19 safety awareness
Anup Goon

Volunteering in the Rohingya refugee camps during COVID-19

Bangladesh is one of the worst-hit countries in Asia for COVID-19, and its densly-populated Rohingya refugee camps have been highlighted as one of the highest-risk areas by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). Anup Goon shares what he is seeing on the ground and how volunteers like him are fighting to prevent a catastrophic outbreak in the camps. 

Big Sister Joya Parvin is volunteering during COVID-19 in Nepal
©VSO/P Mathema

The power of volunteering vs COVID-19 in 10 photos

There's been a spontaneous outpouring of goodwill as communities all over the world have come together to fight COVID-19. Our photo gallery shows how volunteers are tackling the pandemic, thanks to the support of UK Aid.

Celia, 12, sits in front of some damaged school tables after Cyclone Idai
© VSO/Mario Mácilau

Girls at risk worldwide as lockdown continues

Girls are at increased risk of child marriage, violence and stigma while schools remain closed. From Kenya, to Mozambique, to Nepal, find out what VSO is doing to support.

Two fisherwomen, Samngath and Thorn, smiling
©VSO/Sue Turbett

The ripple effect of volunteering

One good deed can make waves long into the future. Find out how one Cambodian community is continuing to benefit from a project that concluded in 2018.

Close up of the hands of a VSO ICS team in Battambang, Cambodia
VSO

Social inclusion, gender, and Black Lives Matter

Reflecting on our global work to address issues of diversity, inclusion, equality and anti-discrimination.

Volunteers teaching a group of children about social distancing
©VSO

Pandemic response must empower communities

COVID-19 is accelerating new approaches to do development differently

Community volunteer James Lansana puts dishes out to try on an outdoor bamboo rack
VSO

Volunteer field reports from a global pandemic

With most VSO volunteers staying in placement to help tackle COVID-19, three of them share first-hand perspectives on what they are seeing on the ground now.

Meet the volunteers fighting poverty from their living rooms

Remote working? You’re not the only one! More than 40 international VSO volunteers are giving online support to projects around the world, despite having had to return home because of COVID-19.