Voluntary Service Overseas, or VSO, is an organization in the United Kingdom that fights poverty around the world with the help of volunteers. The organization takes social responsibility to a global level by working in more than 40 countries. Its aim is to solve some common social problems that happen in disadvantaged areas around the world. People in these areas often do not have basic things, such as housing or education. VSO wants to make these areas better places to live and work.
One common problem VSO addresses is that some places have poor educational systems, or they don't have enough teachers. To improve the educational systems, VSO volunteers work in colleges and schools to train teachers and to establish good methods that help people learn. As a result, students enjoy the learning process. They may stay in school longer, learning more skills that can improve their lives. To help the problem of the shortage of teachers, VSO volunteers sometimes teach in primary or secondary schools. They can also work as mentors with local teachers in the classrooms, offering the teachers advice and suggestions to improve their methods. Through these actions, the volunteers improve the system and decrease the number of teachers that are needed.
Other issues in disadvantaged areas include poor health care and a shortage of doctors, nurses, or surgeons. VSO tries to find volunteers who are medical professionals. The VSO doctors, nurses, and surgeons help directly by providing health care to people who need it. Because they are already trained, volunteers can also help the local health-care professionals become better at their jobs. VSO volunteers often work within the local health-care system to manage hospitals and improve the quality of care.
In poor communities, many people struggle to make enough money to live. VSO volunteers work with individuals in these communities to help them find ways to earn money, either by using the natural environment or starting new businesses. The volunteers help residents develop their personal skills in ways that can help them professionally. For example, a volunteer may work with local farmers, showing them how to grow crops more efficiently and feed more people. A volunteer who is an engineer can teach a local community member more advanced technical skills. The goal is for people to become more effective workers so that they can increase their income.
By identifying problems and working to solve them, VSO volunteers help people in disadvantaged areas achieve a better quality of life. Thanks to many volunteers, the VSO has made a difference in many communities around the world.