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Voluntary Service Overseas creates lasting change through volunteering

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VSO's areas of work

A young boy in a wheelchair listens attentively in class in the Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia

Inclusive education

Making sure everyone gets the skills they need to live a dignified life.

Over the past five years we have supported almost 3,500,000 children to access the quality education they deserve.

A doctor treats a newborn baby in a neonatal intensive care unit in Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Healthy communities

Improving health services for all and empowering the most marginalised to exercise their right to quality care.

Over the past five years we have helped over 3,600,000 people access better healthcare.

Resilient livelihoods

Ensuring people have the skills, opportunities and support needed to live more secure and dignified lives.

Over the past five years we have helped improve access to food and income for 770,000 people.

Where VSO works

How VSO works

Volunteering for development

At VSO, we know that people in developing countries have the power, courage and desire to help themselves. That’s why we use a volunteering for development approach that puts the most marginalised people first.

Volunteering for development approach >

Working in partnerships

At VSO, we believe progress is only possible when we work together. Partnerships lie at the root of all the positive change we create. Together, we work on programme development and delivery, research, fundraising and influencing decision-makers.

Partnerships with VSO >

VSO/Peter Caton

Influencing and Advocacy

We influence policy at national, regional and international levels. We connect decision makers to the experiences of our volunteers, partners and marginalised people.

Our work around the world, amplifying the voices of the poorest, is making change happen.

Influencing and Advocacy >

Research and Evaluations

Evaluating our work is essential. Research plays a critical role in helping us understand and improve our work reducing poverty. We carry out systematic assessments of all projects, programmes and policies.

Research and evaluations >