Project impact stories

“I’m more confident and fearless now” – Eililoy’s story

Eililoy Kamwendo, 62, was trained as a solar engineer on VSO's Solar Mama's pilot project in Malawi. She says that the project is changing the way women are viewed in her community.

“Now I know that I can do things on my own.” – Dines’ story

A single mother whose husband left her when their children were still young, Dines Msampha, 42, has seen her monthly income more than double since she was trained as a Solar Mama.

Durga (Big Sister) and Nirmala (Little Sister)

“Very few girls miss school in this community now” – Nirmala’s story

Nirmala was struggling at school, getting fail marks. Big Sister Durga Bista convinced Nirmala’s parents of the value of education and inspired her to attend school regularly.

Durga (Big Sister) helping Nirmala (Little Sister) with her school work

Meet Durga: A Big Sister with a huge impact

When Durga Bista was 18, she dropped out of school to get married and dedicate her time to household chores. Now, she volunteers as a ‘Big Sister’, vulnerable girls in her home community of Ranighat to attend and stay in school.

A female officer outside a regional police station

Combatting gender-based violence in Pakistan

VSO Pakistan is working with a local NGO and the country's police force, combatting gender-based violence and challenging longstanding attitudes towards harmful cultural practices.

A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Suhul Hospital

It was Rahel Beyan’s lifelong ambition to nurse people back to health. In Tigray, Ethiopia, where she lives, she’s been working as a nurse alongside VSO volunteer Miriam Etter to improve conditions at the Suhul hospital – making her dream a reality.

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