Woman with two children

This Christmas, will you help ensure women’s futures aren’t thrown away?

Unlocking the power of people to create lasting change

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Ireland, part of the VSO International family, brings about change not by sending aid. We unlock the power of people - local, national and international experts and partners - to work alongside some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised people to build generational change. 

Find out about VSO's work 

See VSO in action

Volunteering with VSO

Make an impact by sharing your skills and experience with some of the most marginalised people in the world. Become a VSO volunteer.

Browse opportunities

Latest news

Hear stories from volunteers and communities and stay up-to-date with the latest VSO news.

Sign-up to our newsletter

Vanessa outside her home
VSO/Paul Wambugu

The women turning waste into wages on Kenya’s dumpsites

In Nairobi, Kenya, waste pickers are working every day, cleaning up their communities by picking waste and taking it to recycling centres. Women waste pickers, like Vanessa, earn little for their essential work, and face abuse from residents who see their jobs as ‘dirty'.

Volunteer Kam with teachers

From Ethiopia to Nepal, meet the volunteer challenging the education status quo

Kam Jaga is a volunteer Inclusive Education Advisor who's challenging the socio-cultural and political barriers that prevent children in Nepal accessing a fair education. Read about his volunteer journey and the lessons he's learnt along the way.

Galgalo smiling
VSO/ObscuraMedia

Peace matters on the Kenya-Ethiopia border

Peace is the foundation stone on which safe, secure lives are built. But, right now, 28-year-old Galgalo and his family are in danger even in their own home.

Find out more

Youth planting seeds
Paul Wambugu/Obscuramedia

Blog

Stay up-to-date with the latest news from VSO Ireland.

Group of youth female farmers
Paul Wambugu/Obscuramedia

VSO Ireland annual report

This year, many of the global COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were gradually lifted. For countries and communities already facing considerable challenges, there is a huge job to be done to make up lost ground in health, education, and livelihoods.

Fishing boat
Paul Wambugu/Obscuramedia

Vision, values and strategy

Our purpose is to create lasting change through volunteering. We bring about change not by sending aid, but by working through volunteers and partners to empower people living in the some of the world’s poorest and most overlooked regions.