Blog

Aerial shot of dry land in Kenya
Paul Wambugu

COP 28: A step forward for communities on the frontline of the climate crisis

COP 28 has been and gone – the global climate negotiations always get a lot of international media attention, but now that the delegates have all gone home, what do the commitments made mean for the communities that VSO works with on the ground?

Nigerian youth network

Meet the 2023 VSO Volunteer Impact Award winners

On the 7 December we hosted our annual Volunteer Impact Awards, celebrating the inspirational work of VSO volunteers across the globe. We’re delighted to share with you our fantastic winners.

Kelvin Leteipa
Kelvin Leteipa

'Volunteer' - A song by Leteipa the King

Kelvin Leteipa otherwise known in the music industry as Leteipa the King is a talented afro-pop artist from Kajiado Kenya. His song 'Volunteer' was written for the 2023 VSO Volunteer Impact Awards.

Mphatso using tablet in class
Halifax Trading Malawi

The educational tablet that’s 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.

Emeka and Dotto
Emeka Enwe

The sweet benefits of cross-cultural volunteering

Emeka Enwe, a Finish citizen, and Dotto Joseph from Tanzania might normally live over 4,000 miles apart from each other, but through VSO’s blended volunteering model, they’ve joined forces. Today they’re working together on a beekeeping project in Tanzania.

woman digs a planting hole
Paul Wambugu

Ten reasons why food injustice persists – and what we can do about it

As we mark World Food Day, one statistic should be at the forefront of your mind. Currently one in ten people go to bed hungry each day.

Hands holding seedling
Lisa Marie David

Six ways agroecology is improving food security in hunger hotspots

Pursuing agroecology in hunger hotspot countries is not only a viable strategy for improving food security, but an effective means of promoting water conservation.

sustainable development goals

Eight years on, are we on track to achieve the SDGs?

Eight years ago, world leaders developed the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with hopes to secure peace and prosperity for both people and the planet – yet we are nowhere on track to achieving them by the 2030 deadline. This is a problem that we must continue to address...

Community volunteer
Lisa Marie David

Transforming individuals, communities and societies through active citizenship

Volunteers are an incredible resource, who are making a vital contribution to the delivery of the sustainable development goals. They are also stepping up to question, to challenge, to hold decision makers to account for their actions.

Fatima with community women
Lisa Marie David

A quiet revolution: Women rise above traditions in conflict-scarred communities

In a secluded marshland in the southern Philippines, women are emerging from the solitude and loneliness of their homes, reclaiming their place in the community and learning new skills – and it’s all thanks to your support.

A member of the Mpahi beekeeping co-operative checks on his bees.
©VSO/Alice Kayibanda

Beekeeping a sweet alternative to mining in Tanzania

Tanzania is a land rich in minerals, and mining is one of the country’s leading industrial sectors. However, the extractive industries cause many problems. But now there’s an economic alternative to mining through....bees! Read more

Vilma in the classroom

From Kenya to 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.