Blog
![Men planting mangroves on a beach in the Philippines](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2021-07/RS65301_20190120_092737-scr.jpg?h=af02b063&itok=EZiKQF9x)
The power of regrowth
Climate change, typhoons and poor fishing practices were threatening the way of life of a coastal community in the Philippines. Then volunteers came together to plant mangroves to turn the tide.
![Volunteer Peter helps some pupils at a VSO-supported learning centre](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2020-12/68311-kenya-education-for-life-peter.jpg?h=680ee8fb&itok=aVcPd4uG)
Helping young mothers return to education
Hear from our students and mentors about how our Education for Life project is helping young brides in Kenya, return to school.
![Group of women smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2021-03/RS69288_KENYA_FEBRUARY_2020_EDUCATION%20FOR%20LIFE_PWK_-0161.jpg?h=12720a1f&itok=VzzyOx4a)
Education Summit 2021: volunteers transforming girls’ education in Kenya, Malawi and Nepal
Our flagship girls’ education projects, in Kenya, Malawi and Nepal have been helping girls to access the education that they deserve.
Five ways you are helping end period poverty
VSO communication coordinator Priyanka Budhathoki shares five sustainable methods for making reusable sanitary products which are making a lasting difference to girls living in rural Nepal.
![children at cox's bazar refugee camp](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2021-05/43495-education-bangladesh-cox%27s-bazar-camp.jpg?h=0c4b84f2&itok=St5Prn8q)
How a video call is changing lives in this refugee camp
In the world’s biggest refugee settlement, volunteers from Bangladesh, Myanmar and Wales are working together to create fun, play, learning and laughter for Rohingya children who call the camps home.
![Woman with children, Rohingya_camps Bangladesh](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2021-05/RS41692_Rohingya_camps%20_Bangladesh_AA.jpg?h=6a980ff1&itok=x5ejGOAD)
Update on UK Government funding for VSO
An update on our Volunteering for Development grant by Philip Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer, VSO.
![Volunteer Carol Carson walks in woodland in Scotland](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2021-04/71531-UK-health-Carol-Perth.jpg?h=006e3d88&itok=rU82d27V)
The nursing volunteer making a world of difference
Carol Carson transformed training for student nurses, improved communities' patient care and trained midwives in life-saving skills, before being honoured by the Queen in 2020.
![Little Sister Anjali Patel at home with her mother Munni Devi Patel](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2021-04/RS69834_VSO_3018-lpr_0.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=IALiRGZh)
The shadow pandemics
The coronavirus pandemic has devastated so many lives. But it isn't just one pandemic – from plummeting mental health to escalating gender-based violence – the most vulnerable in society are living through multiple invisible crises all at once.
![Yu Saret farming in her field.](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2021-03/71690-livelihoods-cambodia-yu-saret-farming.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=upLgB23a)
Climate change and overfishing in Cambodia in 7 photos
Fisherfolk living on Cambodia's biggest lake are taking a stand against climate change and overfishing, and finding alternative sources of income thanks to support from VSO.
From the frontlines of Ebola to COVID-19: One volunteer’s journey
Nurse Willeke Gerritsen shares how volunteering during the Ebola outbreak in 2014 prepared her to take on COVID-19 in the Netherlands.
![Mound of gold on an old table.](/sites/default/files/styles/350x175/public/2021-02/Zimbabwe%20-%20gender%20-%20gold%20mining%20communities.jpg?h=9c3d3eb7&itok=QWEm_-7e)
Shining a light on the plight of women in Zimbabwe’s mining communities
In poor, rural communities in Zimbabwe, miners put their lives at risk in the pursuit of gold, and it’s often women who suffer the consequences.
How women are taking the lead in the COVID-19 pandemic
On March 8 every year, International Women’s Day shines a spotlight on the fight for gender equality. Now, we’re celebrating the inspiring women volunteering to help make the world a fairer place in the time of the pandemic.