VSO - Promoting volunteering to fight global poverty and disadvantage

World AIDS Day

Right now there are 33 million people living with HIV and AIDS. December 1st 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, with people all over the world coming together to raise awareness of the pandemic.

VSO is improving the lives of people affected by HIV and AIDS in 20 of the world’s poorest countries. Our objective is to combat stigma, support prevention and increase the availability of treatment, care and support for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

Straight talk on HIV and AIDS from young Tanzanian Rebeca Gyumi
Building the confidence of women living with HIV and AIDS in Sierra Leone
Read more about our work in HIV and AIDS

Sierra Leone
A decade long civil war kept Sierra Leone in the news headlines in the 1990s. But in 2002 peace was declared and today you’re more likely to spot this dynamic West African country in a glossy magazine for the adventurous traveller. Accommodation and travel facilities remain basic, but perfect palm lined sands and vibrant nightlife mean that Sierra Leone’s tourist industry is blossoming.

See Sierra Leone for yourself: browse our gallery
23 year old Abass Koroma rebuilds his life
VSO volunteer creates a haven of care for sick babies and their mothers
Peaceful elections defy expectation
NGO Vision for the Blind tackles discrimination
Find out more about VSO's work in Sierra Leone

Population: 5 million | Capital city: Freetown | GDP per capita: $561 | HDI ranking: 177 | Life expectancy: 41

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Christmas concert - Thursday, 11 December
Our popular Christmas concert will be on Thursday, 11 December at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London from 7.30 pm. The concert offers a chance to celebrate the season with carols for choir and audience. It's a great chance to meet up with old friends or the perfect end to a day's Christmas shopping in London.

Stars of Africa - VSO’s greatest ever music event!
On Wednesday 26th November thousands of VSO supporters and music fans gathered at the London’s Royal Albert Hall to end VSO’s Golden Anniversary year on a dazzling high. Legendary South African trumpeter and singer Hugh Masekela headlined this exciting event and were joined by internationally renowned artists Angelique Kidjo and Bassekou Kouyate.

Read a full review of the concert
View our photo gallery of this fantastic event

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A farewell note from Mark Goldring

Women Matter resources

VSO' Big Curry Night - A big thank you