VSO

VSO VSO is the world’s leading development organisation working through volunteers to create lasting change.

In 2011, Andy, from the UK, drew on his 32 years of nurse training experience to help improve nursing curriculums in Mon...
06/10/2026

In 2011, Andy, from the UK, drew on his 32 years of nurse training experience to help improve nursing curriculums in Mongolia with VSO. Keen to meet local people, Andy attended a dancing class where first met Bela.

At the time, Bela was involved in community projects with various charities, and the two quickly bonded over their shared passion for volunteering. It wasn’t long before they were volunteering on community initiatives together.

“We struck a bond immediately. I knew straight away that Bela was an exceptional human with a lot of "star" quality,” says Andy.

In fact, the star quality Andy noticed would later shine on the West End stage, with Bela going on to become an actress and touring the world as part of a musical. Andy proudly watched her perform in London in 2023 alongside fellow VSO volunteers.

“To make lifelong friends with people from different cultures is a truly special gift that enriches you for the rest of your life. These friendships are so important because you learn that we’re all human with the same human needs,” Andy explains.

Share your VSO stories in the comments. 👇

At our recent Annual Learning and Sharing Event, Big Sister volunteers planned, coordinated and facilitated every sessio...
06/10/2026

At our recent Annual Learning and Sharing Event, Big Sister volunteers planned, coordinated and facilitated every session themselves. 👏

They reflected on the progress they've made supporting children who are falling behind in foundational learning, helping them build literacy and numeracy skills, regain confidence and stay engaged in school. 💜

This was more than a celebration of learning, the event highlighted the power of community-led change, with volunteers stepping forward not just as participants, but as leaders shaping the future of education in their communities.

It was a shared passion for volunteering that brought Emeka, a Nigerian Swedish entrepreneur and Dotto, a youth speciali...
04/10/2026

It was a shared passion for volunteering that brought Emeka, a Nigerian Swedish entrepreneur and Dotto, a youth specialist from Tanzania together. In 2023, they joined forces to volunteer on a beekeeping project in Tanzania.

Dotto was working with young people, helping them identify economic opportunities in their communities. They were keen to explore beekeeping as its profitable and eco-friendly. Knowing Emeka’s entrepreneurial experience, Dotto invited Emeka to train young people on modern honey production techniques.

While volunteering side by side, Emeka and Dotto learnt so much from each other and a friendship blossomed. “Even when Dotto was on holiday, I knew I could still call him and get any information from him. He was always really attentive but also very understanding,” Emeka explains.

Meanwhile, Dotto praised Emeka for his excellent relationship-building skills and his eagerness to learn new things.

In their free time, they often attended social gatherings together, bonding over drinks.

Andrew from the UK, has dedicated his life to volunteering, using his skills and compassion to support communities from ...
02/10/2026

Andrew from the UK, has dedicated his life to volunteering, using his skills and compassion to support communities from Nigeria to Cambodia and beyond.

In 1997, Andrew was volunteering on a water and sanitation project in Nigeria where he met Tunde, a water engineer volunteer who grew up in the UK but has Nigerian parents.

Andrew remembers the strong sense of camaraderie that developed between the volunteers as they worked to improve water and sanitation facilities.

“My first impression of Andrew was a larger-than-life character who lives with no regrets,” says Tunde.

Although their VSO placements in Nigeria ended in 1999, they stayed close over the years, with Tunde, who now lives in Nigeria, travelling from Nigeria last year to the UK to celebrate Andrew’s 80th birthday.

“Our friendship is full of adventure, fun and deep talks. One of my favourite shared memories was going to a festival in Nigeria. It was a very cultural experience, full of adventure” Tunde recalls.

Meanwhile Andrew says, "Tunde's common sense, caring nature and her ability to have fun have enriched my life."

Tell us your VSO stories in the comments. 👇

In Mindanao, Philippines, decades of conflict between Christian and Muslim communities once created fear, mistrust, and ...
28/09/2026

In Mindanao, Philippines, decades of conflict between Christian and Muslim communities once created fear, mistrust, and division. Eleanor, a Christian and Noridjah, a Muslim, remember a time when the two religious groups rarely spoke and would avoid each other.

Everything changed when they met through VSO locally led peacebuilding workshops. The workshops encouraged people from different faiths to listen to one another and build an understanding.

Through these shared experiences, Noridjah and Eleanor formed a close friendship that has lasted more than 20 years. Today, they enjoy chatting over a pot of tea and volunteering together on VSO’s marine conservation work.

“It’s a really easy, warm, and genuine friendship,” says Noridjah. “There is nothing that we disagree on!” “The friendship we have is a great example to others that Muslims and Christians can be friends and live peacefully together,” exclaims Eleanor.

This week, we awarded 10 youth-led organisations in Bangladesh with the Youth-Led Climate Award 2026 for their efforts t...
25/09/2026

This week, we awarded 10 youth-led organisations in Bangladesh with the Youth-Led Climate Award 2026 for their efforts to address climate change through locally designed initiatives. 💜

The awardees will receive grants to implement climate initiatives in their communities under the theme “Spark the Change, Lead the Climate Future” – and we could not be more excited to see what transformative change is to come.

What are you doing to help tackle climate change? Comment below.

We asked people why they feel passionate about giving back, and we received thousands of responses. 💜Share yours in the ...
22/09/2026

We asked people why they feel passionate about giving back, and we received thousands of responses. 💜

Share yours in the comments... 👇

NEPAL FLOOD RESPONSE: TEAM UPDATE 🇳🇵By the end of yesterday, our team were able to deliver 400 dignity kits to communiti...
17/09/2026

NEPAL FLOOD RESPONSE: TEAM UPDATE 🇳🇵

By the end of yesterday, our team were able to deliver 400 dignity kits to communities who needed them most.

Our colleagues in Nepal are currently working hard to co-ordinate with the army to air lift these dignity kits to places where access is still cut off, with an aim to deliver 100 more today.

Can you support VSO volunteers continue this vital work? Make a donation to our emergency appeal today: https://bit.ly/4ynvvYC

NEPAL EMERGENCY APPEAL: TEAM UPDATE 🇳🇵Our colleagues have been working hard this last week on building hygiene kits that...
12/09/2026

NEPAL EMERGENCY APPEAL: TEAM UPDATE 🇳🇵

Our colleagues have been working hard this last week on building hygiene kits that can be delivered to flood-hit communities.

These include every day essentials like fresh clothing, soaps, toothpastes, and much more — these items are needed now more than ever.

Can you support our emergency appeal for Nepal? Our local volunteers are already on the ground, and always have been.

Support VSO in reaching the families who need us most by making a donation today: https://bit.ly/4ynvvYC

11/09/2026

As we round up another Remember A Charity, we want to say a huge thank you to our legacy supporters who remain committed to backing the volunteers of the future.

Today, we're sharing the story of Rohini and Chris, who volunteered with VSO in Nepal between 2005 and 2007 and have remained strong advocates for VSO and the power of volunteering ever since.

"VSO opens minds, ideas and doors. It works in a people-centred way, which is very powerful," says Rohini.

In this film, Rohini reflects on her experience and explains why she has chosen to leave a gift in her will to support VSO's future work. We hope you enjoy hearing her story.

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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