Blog

Fatu Conteh, 18, gave birth to baby girl Mariama six months ago and shares her story here.

These volunteers are still dedicating their time to supporting the communities they volunteered in.

Our research shows that 55% of VSO volunteers become more involved in social projects after their placements – and a third continue to work with individuals or groups they met whilst volunteering.

Salima is a farmer from northern Bangladesh. After joining a local farmer group she and her husband, Moklaser, have seen significant increases in yields and profits. 

Zanab has realized her unconventional dream of becoming an electrician. After completing a vocational course run in partnership between British Gas Group, VSO and the Tanzanian Government she is one of only two women in a new trade co-operative, with excellent skills and revving for business.

Andrew Sesay is a Community Health Officer at Binkolo clinic, Sierra Leone. He’s often the first point of call for the thousands of people living in the community. 

Tom Legge, 35, from London is a VSO volunteer currently on placement in the north of Ghana. He thinks the current attacks against UK Aid fail to look at the benefit it has to the UK, as well as to people in less well-off countries. 

The 'Busy Bee' cooperative are living up to their name. Beekeeping start-up kits and training in business skills, provided by VSO, have helped this group of 26 producers boost their income and entrepreneurial skills.

After a 40-year career in the NHS in the UK, Phil Heywood, 72, is volunteering his skills to help tackle maternal deaths in Myanmar. He explains the global injustice of maternal deaths, and what is being done about it through UK Aid.

Bill Carr, 67, has been watching the attacks on UK Aid from his placement in the north of Pakistan with concern. He explains the difference he’s seen it make with his own eyes.

ICS volunteer Ibraham Kamara has a real zest for development. Born and bred in Sierra Leone, this young father has seen his country through war and Ebola. Even though his own schooling has been stilted he was able to finish his diploma and complete an ICS placement.

When Ebola reached Nengbema village in 2015, the entire community was quarantined. Foday Lansana volunteered to become the local well mechanic and ensure his community had access to fresh water.