Blogs

Schoolgirl
VSO/Suraj Shakya

Five female achievements you might not know about

This International Women's Day, join us in celebrating five female achievements from VSO and beyond, that you might not have heard about... 

Noridjah and Eleanor holding hands
VSO/Lisa Marie David

Friends forever: crossing the religious divide in the Philippines

Two women in the Philippines have forged an unlikely friendship, despite their religious differences, fostering unity in a once-divided community.

Family planning workshop
VSO/Paul Wambugu

Looking back on VSO in 2023

As we move into 2024, let’s take the time to reflect on the last 12 months.

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.

Rukaiya with her graduating students

The volunteer empowering women in the world's largest refugee camp

Rukaiya Siddika is a national volunteer in Bangladesh, working to empower women who live in refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. Volunteers like Rukaiya are using technology to empower women living in the camps to learn new skills in ICT.

Brown film thumbnail

Watch Brown – a film by volunteers Brown Niyonsaba and Justin Spray

Brown is a heart-warming film by VSO community volunteer, Brown Niyonsaba and volunteer filmmaker, Justin Spray that explores the question 'what does it mean to be a Deaf woman in Rwanda?' Watch the film here.

Man pointing to mangrove
Lisa Marie David

Video: The Humble Mangrove Tree

Check out our video which tells the impressive story of how VSO volunteers in the Philippines are harnessing the hidden power of mangroves, nature and community to create real sustainable change for families.

Volunteer Arifa

The volunteer helping Rohingya refugee children regain their childhood

Arifa Ripa, a VSO national volunteer, is championing play-based learning to help these children regain their childhood and learn so they can secure a chance of a different and better future. Here is her story.

Girls with science equipment

My experience improving STEM education in Cambodia

After retiring from a successful career as a science teacher, Sean decided to share his skills to help Cambodian children pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Here's his story.

Kenyan education mentor

5 facts about women's rights around the world

Much progress has been made for women's rights. However around the world  the fight for women's rights continues. In this blog, we celebrate some key achievements of women around the world and understand how much further we have to go...