Blog

Men planting mangroves on a beach in the Philippines
©Pakigdait Inc

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
VSO/Paul Wambugu

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
VSO/Paul Wambugu

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
VSO

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
VSO/Abir Abdullah

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
Carol Carson

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
VSO/P Mathema

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.
VSO/Cesar Lopez Balan

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.

Willeke Gerritsen walks to her placement in Nepal.
Willeke Gerritsen

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.
Shutterstock/optimarc

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.

Volunteer and headteacher speak at a school in Mon state, Myanmar
©VSO/Nyan Zay Htet

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.