About VSO

VSO is a leading international development charity with a unique approach.  We don’t send short-term aid such as money or food; we send people the most valuable resource of all - people!  Every day, around 1,500 highly skilled VSO volunteers from around the world work side by side with poor people in developing countries to help them build a better future for themselves.  VSO believes that it is only by empowering the people affected by poverty with the skills and opportunities to tackle their own problems that change can be genuine and lasting.

VSO volunteers bring professional skills from a variety of backgrounds, including education, health, business and government, and pass these skills on within the community in which they are placed.  Working hand in hand with local, regional and national partners, VSO volunteers tackle both the symptoms and the causes of poverty.  Our approach aims to strengthen the ability of communities to change their lives and to find lasting, sustainable solutions to their problems.

Working in over 37 of the world's poorest countries, VSO volunteers work in six specific areas: HIV and AIDS, Disability, Participation and Governance, Secure Livelihoods, Education and Health. Volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, countries and ages. We recruit volunteers from 6 bases: the UK, India, the Netherlands, Kenya and the Philippines.

The funds that you work hard to raise for the Kilimanjaro Challenge really will help us make a difference in the fight against poverty. 100% of the profits will be invested directly into VSO’s Secure Livelihoods work which aims to strengthen the ability of disadvantaged women, men and young people to make a living. With each trek we’re aiming to reach over 5,000 people thanks to the money you raise. You’ll also have the option to visit one of our projects based in Tanzania where you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit one of the communities we’re helping and to see VSO’s work in action.