South Sudan: New country, amazing opportunities

How can you help to support the development of education and health in the world's newest country?

Find out about current volunteering opportunities in South Sudan now.

Challenge

Poorly paid and inadequately trained, Namibian teachers are lacking motivation and the profession is in decline.

Catalyst

VSO volunteer Susan Somers brings new skills and a systematic approach to Namibia’s National Institute for Education Development.

Result

Less bureaucracy and the motivating effects of practical training gives Susan, and her Namibian counterparts, optimism.

A question of motivation: training teachers in Namibia

Teaching is not a popular career choice in Namibia, as teachers are inadequately trained and poorly paid. VSO volunteer Susan Somers is eager to change this situation by boosting skill levels and bringing much-needed organisation to the country’s education sector.

Style at La Stampa

"Style at La Stampa", VSO Ireland's fundraising fashion lunch, took place at the exclusive La Stampa Hotel on 14 December 2011.

Guests enjoyed a fashion show displaying Irish design creations from Project51, hair by Gary Kavanagh of Peter Mark and make-up courtesy of LA Make-Up. The MC for the night was Brendan Courtney of "Off the Rails" fame.

Challenge

Despite a robust attitude towards infant mortality, Ugandan society struggles to support mothers who are battling with the grieving process.

Catalyst

Midwife trainer, VSO volunteer Diane Lockhart raises awareness of the need to help bereaved mothers and provides tools to help them cope.

Result

Diane is making an impact in communities around Kampala as they seek to reduce infant mortality rates.

Family matters: training midwives in Uganda

Sub-Saharan Africa has a worryingly high mother and infant mortality rate, which is why the expertise and enthusiasm of midwife tutor Diane Lockhart means so much to the midwives of Uganda. And for Diane, spending two years with VSO in Kampala was a family affair, because she would be taking her young daughter with her.