Volunteer laughs with girl in wheelchair

Our work

Transforming lives through sustainable development

At VSO, we're committed to creating a fair world for everyone. Our global initiatives span across education, livelihoods, and health, focusing on empowering marginalized communities and fostering resilience.

Through the power of volunteering and partnerships, we've been able to bring about lasting change in some of the world's most socioeconomically challenged regions.

Impact highlights 2022-23

These numbers represent more than statistics; they signify lives transformed, communities empowered, and futures secured.

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3.2 million people gained access to quality education.

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200,000 people benefited from our livelihood support.

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90,000 people accessed better healthcare.

Program areas

A multifaceted approach to global development: The challenges facing communities around the world are complex and interconnected. That's why we focus on a range of program areas, each designed to address specific needs while contributing to holistic, sustainable development.

Girl with book

Advancing education

We believe every child deserves access to a quality education. Our work strengthening systems helps bring inclusive and equitable education globally.

Former fisherwoman with her floating vegetable garden

Creating resilient livelihoods

We support access to stable economic livelihoods to help the vulnerable populations support themselves and their families.

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Enhancing health and wellbeing

We are committed to improving outcomes for marginalized communities across the world.

Young farmers
Paul Wambugu/Obscuramedia

VSO Youth Programs

VSO works with 30,000 youth volunteers on 137 projects across our operating countries. VSO maintains strong youth networks in 17 countries and an even larger number of current and former volunteers exist across the world.

Man in VSO t shirt in boat
Lisa Marie David

Climate resilient systems

Our climate resilience programs are locally-led, integrated, and backed by data to bring forth lasting solutions to our most pressing issues. We focus on disaster relief, education,  health, and food systems, and risk reduction in over 20 countries.

Amplfying impact

VSO USA plays a crucial role in these global efforts. We specialize in projects primarily funded by USAID and GAC, bringing technical expertise and impactful solutions to the communities we serve.

Our work not only aligns with the broader objectives of VSO but also resonates deeply with the priorities of our US-based donors and partners.

Interested in contributing to one of our program areas?

Get involved today

Related links

Dennis, national volunteer on DESIP project

Partner with VSO

We believe progress is only possible when we work together. Partnerships lie at the root of all the positive change we create.

VSO community volunteers

About us

Learn more about our values, strategy, and past impact. Your partnership is crucial to our continued success. 

Female farmers high five

Volunteering for Development (VfD)

At VSO USA, we believe that the most sustainable form of aid isn't just about sending resources; it's about empowering communities to uplift themselves. This is where our Volunteering for Development (VfD) philosophy comes into play.