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The spirit of volunteering

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a rush of volunteers - it's an inspiring moment, and a reminder of the benefits and lasting power of volunteering.

Ana Paula Pinto reads textbook and performs in classroom activity with the students from primary school at Kyakathone primary school, Kyike Ma Yaw township, Mon state on 5 December,2019.

Life as an education volunteer in Myanmar

After nearly three decades working as a teacher, Portuguese volunteer Ana Paula Pinto shares her experiences volunteering in Myanmar. Educating children here has not always been a priority but Ana Paula says that’s changing, slowly but surely.

Villagers patrol Tonle Sap to combat illegal fishing

Incomes, alternatives and revival: Life on Cambodia's Great Lake

Fishing was once easy in Cambodia’s Great Lake, Tonle Sap, with abundant fish and little competition. That’s no longer the case, meaning a VSO project to improve incomes was timely – and welcome.

A woman next to a river showing crabs she has caught

Empowering women, ending dependence and transforming lives – two stories from Bangladesh

Filmmaker Sue Turbett has just returned from Bangladesh, capturing first-hand projects that are investing in the livelihoods of women such as Sathi and Laxmi. From improving farming practices to training in crab fishing, see how VSO is transforming the lives of women in rural Bangladesh.

Parents attend a meeting where teachers and VSO volunteers have prepared a special programme about children’s right to education at Acherer Primary School in Moroto.

Educating Karamoja

In northern Uganda, VSO volunteers are bringing communities together to drastically improve education.

A portrait of a Tanzanian woman

Tackling child marriage through theatre: Irene’s story

Volunteer Irene Bitumbe is on a mission to protect the rights of girls in Tanzania. Aged just 25, she has worked tirelessly tackling sexual reproductive health and rights for young people through interactive theatre. Irene explains why she wants to help enable young girls have the future they deserve.

Midwife Tsige uses a Pinard stethoscope to listen to an unborn baby's heartbeat - VSO

12 hours in newborn A&E

This photo diary of a day in the life of a remote hospital in North-East Ethiopia reveals how VSO-trained nurses and midwives are fighting to save lives.

Teachers hold hands during teacher training at Kakuma refugee camp.

Why refugee teachers on the frontline need support

Education volunteer Casey Pearson is helping refugee families find order amid the chaos of Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya.

Members of the community of Loitokitok, Kenya take part in the ICS-organised ‘Colourfest’, a brightly-coloured, messy celebration of International Youth Day.

Triumph, heartbreak and breakthroughs: Reflecting on 2019

Reflecting on a year of inspiration, celebration and challenges that made us stronger than ever.

a man on a welding site, talking and educating a group of men

HIV: Not a life sentence

In Zimbabwe, VSO is supporting HIV positive prison inmates to live full and healthy lives after their sentences have been served. Three courageous people living with HIV share their stories and hopes for the future.

VSO Volunteer Impact Award winners 2019 with Chief Executive Philip Goodwin

Celebrating the unsung heroes fighting poverty: VSO Volunteer Impact Awards

Past and present volunteers joined VSO supporters and special guests for a special celebration at London’s Royal Geographical Society.

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