VSO Ireland

26/06/2026

27/05/2026

"I raised my voice and said no more. My name is Stephen, and I am sparking change."

For 20 years, Stephen saw his community in Kibera struggle with a waste crisis that blocked systems and hindered health. It was a place where many felt their voices went unheard and their dreams were out of reach.

Stephen wanted to make change and decided to start a waste picking group that brought his community together. He first joined VSO’s 'From Waste to Work' project as a participant, but soon became the spark that ignited others.

Through his work, Stephen has been helping community members develop life skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, and is seeing huge changes already.

Today his community is growing together. Waste is no longer just "rubbish", it is a path to wealth and savings.

Volunteers are sparking others into action every day, and we can't wait to see this continue.

21/05/2026

In 1985, Anna Robinson embarked on her volunteer journey as a teacher trainer in Nepal with VSO.

Anna worked on an educational programme that focused on developing a curriculum and establishing teacher training facilities that supported children and their access to schooling.

On her placement, Anna worked closely with a team of Nepali teacher trainers, traveling from village to village to support local educators.

"My time as a VSO volunteer was both the most challenging and the most creative period of my life. I had the freedom to design my own role, which is something I think sets VSO apart." Anna shared.

Following her time in Nepal, Anna transitioned into academia and has been a Professor of Education for the last two decades. Her spark will continue to carry on.

20/05/2026

Volunteering is not just a choice. It’s a spark that ignites an entire movement of giving back.

Every day, volunteers are creating long-lasting change until no one stands alone.

05/12/2025

Happy International Volunteer Day! 💜

Today we show the world what volunteer power looks like. Volunteers spark others — that’s the heart of VSO.

Volunteers don’t wait for change. They spark it. To every volunteer, everywhere, we want to thank you for choosing to act when others could not. Your spark reaches further than you know! ✨

Join our campaign and share your volunteer story now.