VSO engages youth from the onset of program design, utilizing their unique perspectives and ensuring the inclusion of traditionally marginalized and unheard voices.
Youth changemakers are at the core of VSO’s volunteering for development model. They drive informed and sustainable impact at local and global levels.
Design
We engage youth at the program design stage to ensure programs are responsive to their needs and we have their collective buy-in. We also ensure VSO programs are equipped to provide direct support to vulnerable young people affected by issues such as climate change, loss of income, or gender-based discrimination.
Implementation
VSO youth co-actors are program participants who work directly with VSO and our program leaders to enact change in their communities through informal programming, training, and advocacy. Youth leaders also act independently based on VSO programs. They run our programs, but also advocate independently within their own community.
Evaluation
We train and utilize youth researchers to evaluate our programs and contribute to our learnings and improvements for the future.
VSO’s youth program intersects our other programs. Here are a few examples:
- Climate change work centers on youth by engaging them in climate advocacy, disaster risk management, and green job development.
- Adolescent health and maintains a special focus on marginalized groups, especially young women.
- Equal access to education is reached for through inclusion for youth with disabilities, youth in crisis, and hard to reach girls.
VSO has active youth projects in Nepal, the Philippines, Kenya and Uganda, where young people are driving forward conversations on climate change, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
Our work
Advancing education
We believe every child deserves access to a quality education. Our work strengthening systems helps bring inclusive and equitable education globally.
Enhancing health and wellbeing
We are committed to improving outcomes for marginalized communities across the world.
Creating resilient livelihoods
We support access to stable economic livelihoods to help the vulnerable populations support themselves and their families.