VSO

VSO is an international development charity with one vision: a world without poverty. Our mission is to bring people together to fight the forces and breakdown the barriers which keep impoverished communities locked in the cycle of poverty generation after generation. Through our unique approach to development, we are changing the lives of millions around the world every day. VSO is different to most other development charities, because instead of sending money or food, we bring people together to share skills and knowledge. Our volunteers spark a chain reaction – their help not only supports individuals, but families, whole communities and entire countries. By working in this way, we create lasting change that will endure a lifetime and beyond, and not only a shelf life.

Our volunteers, aged between 18 and 75, work in over 40 of the world’s poorest regions and share their skills to change lives. Rather than sending a teacher just to teach or a doctor only to practice, VSO volunteers work with grassroots organisations and local partners in the heart of the community to empower them to transform their lives and futures for themselves. In doing so, we help give children prospects through education, improve standards of care in hospitals, train poor people to in the skills they need to make a decent living, fight for the basic human rights for women and disabled people and ensure that those who don’t have a voice can stand up and be heard .

Money and food all help, but they don’t last forever. By believing in the capability of people, their energy and ingenuity, and empowering communities and local people themselves, we have been able to change the lives of over 20 million in just the last year.

Our projects focus on the following areas: HIV/Aids, Health, Disability, Education, Participation and Governance, Secure Livelihoods, Gender and Climate Change. Our volunteers are at the core of what we do but we also work closely with local and regional NGOs and partners in the developing world to support local initiatives and projects. And, we’re at the forefront of development in the UK, raising awareness of global poverty through our campaigning and advocacy work.

Case Study – VSO’s Ripple Effect
Two VSO volunteers developed a course to improve the professional skills of teacher trainers in Ethiopia. In only two years, 2,500 trainers completed the initiative, training 11,000 classroom teachers. This has ultimately improved the quality of education for one million Ethiopian children.

There goes an old proverb; give a man a fishing rod, feed him for a day. Teach a man to use a fishing rod, feed him for life.

« Back to Charities List