VSO is fighting for a fair world for everyone. We fight poverty not by sending aid, but by working through volunteers and partners to create long-lasting change in some of the world’s poorest regions. Over the last 60 years VSO has worked in over 90 countries, with more than 80,000 volunteers and supported 50,000,000 people.

Putting People First

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. We focus on those who are traditionally left-out in society – people who are poor, disabled, ill, female, young, gay.

Leaving no one behind

Across all our programmes we focus on building communities that are resilient, inclusive and accountable. These three ‘core approaches’ are fundamental to delivering our global programmes that focus on health, secure livelihods and inclusive education.