Child by window
VSO/Halifax Trading

This Christmas, give the life-changing gift of reading, writing and counting…

Children like Mphatso are in danger of dropping out of school and into a life of poverty. It's impossible to learn in a class of 200 children and without any books, pens, or desks. They are in a desperate situation and need your help.

Unlocking the power of people to create lasting change

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Ireland, part of the VSO International family, brings about change not by sending aid. We unlock the power of people - local, national and international volunteers and partners - to work alongside some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised people to build generational change. 

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Volunteering with VSO

Make an impact by sharing your skills and experience with some of the most marginalised people in the world. Become a VSO volunteer.

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Hear stories from volunteers and communities and stay up-to-date with the latest VSO news.

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Mphatso using tablet in class
Halifax Trading Malawi

The educational tablet that is unlocking talent in Malawi

Meet 14 year old Mphatso who dropped out of school without the ability to read or write. He was sat in class with 200 other students unable to learn, so what was the point of attending school? Educational tablets are now giving Mphasto the education he deserves.

Beekeeper with hives

Beekeeping a sweet alternative to mining in Tanzania

Tanzania is home to a vast array of minerals and natural resources. Gold in particular accounts for more than two-thirds of the country’s exports. Despite this, many women and young people are often excluded and are unable to profit from the extractive industries.

Vilma in the classroom

From Kenya to Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, meet the volunteer igniting change across the world

Vilma Esoto is a remarkable national volunteer working hard in the Philippines, where she ensures that out-of-school youth get the relevant mentorship and leadership skills they deserve to achieve a prosperous future.

Find out more

Youth planting seeds
Paul Wambugu/Obscuramedia

Blog

Stay up-to-date with the latest news from VSO Ireland.

Group of youth female farmers
Paul Wambugu/Obscuramedia

VSO Ireland annual report

This year, many of the global COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were gradually lifted. For countries and communities already facing considerable challenges, there is a huge job to be done to make up lost ground in health, education, and livelihoods.

Fishing boat
Paul Wambugu/Obscuramedia

Vision, values and strategy

Our purpose is to create lasting change through volunteering. We bring about change not by sending aid, but by working through volunteers and partners to empower people living in the some of the world’s poorest and most overlooked regions.

girl in wheelchair

Fund the change you want to see. Be a changemaker.