Blog

Arifa

The volunteer helping Rohingya refugee children regain their childhood

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugee children are living in camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, having experienced conflict and trauma. Arifa is a VSO volunteer is championing play-based learning to help these children regain their childhood.

Dress shop in the Phillipines
Lisa Marie David

From destruction to dressmaking - the story of two inspiring women

Every minute, 20 people are forced to leave everything behind to escape conflict or persecution. But they aren’t just crossing international borders to seek refuge in other countries. For some people, that isn’t an option.

Nicoline at the market

“Bringing about change is always a two-way process" - Nicoline's journey in Cambodia

Nicoline volunteered on VSO's Rural Employment for COVID-19 Economic Recovery (RECOVER) project in Cambodia, helping rural communities to build sustainable livelihoods. Learn more about her volunteer journey.

Rice trading project in the Philippines
Lisa Marie David

Four ways you’re helping communities cope with the climate crisis

As our planet warms and our weather gets more extreme, raising awareness and galvanising climate action is more vital than ever. Learn how you're helping the communities bearing the brunt of climate change, adapt and survive.

Volunteer Jonito at the Kulambagan ecotourism site.
Lisa Marie David

How we're championing active citizenship

VSO is supporting communities around the world to take ownership of local issues, lead and shape their own development, and raise their voice with decision makers to improve the way in which public services are delivered.  

Girls in a biology lesson

My experience improving STEM education in Cambodia

After retiring from a successful career in the UK as a science teacher, Sean McMorrow shared his skills and experience to help Cambodian children pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and maths.

Children in classroom

Help keep children in Pakistan safe

Right now, Pakistan is reeling from devastating floods which left a third of the country underwater. As the country grapples with the effects of a changing climate, it’s children who are being left behind.

Janefer Boke outside Nyamekongoroto catch-up centre, Migori, southwest Kenya
Paul Wambugu

5 facts about women's rights around the world

While much progress has been made towards creating equality for women, the fight continues. In this blog, we celebrate some key achievements of women around the world and understand how much further we have to go...

Kenyan youth group
Paul Wambugu/Obscuramedia

5 inspiring female volunteers to celebrate this International Women's Day

On International Women's Day 2023, we want to recognise our female volunteers at VSO and celebrate the power of female volunteerism. Meet five inspiring female volunteers.

Children reading on a step in Tanzania
Steve Scorer

Inspiring books and films to check out this International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a day to commemorate the social, political, and economic achievements of women all around the world. To celebrate, we have compiled a list of five inspiring women-centric films and books that we recommend you check out!

Vy at her juice shop

Migration was not our first choice, but my family have found a way to improve our livelihood at home

Vy Mok, a 56-year-old farmer from Cambodia, attended an agro-processing workshop through VSO's RECOVER project and now she and her daughters are supporting their family through her juice making business.

Nisha in the classroom

Breaking down stereotypes of people with disabilities

15 years old Nisha is a resident of Sakraul, Nepal living with a disability. People in her community used to call her names which hurt her feelings and broke her confidence down. Now she's returned to school and the communities sees that she can do anything. Read her story.