VSO International (South Africa)

South Africa has one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, yet over half the population still lives on less that US$2 a day. The impacts of poverty are compounded by the fact that South Africa has one of the highest rates of people living with HIV and AIDS in the world. It is within this context that the VSO programme in South Africa is focused on HIV and AIDS, with emphasis placed on the most vulnerable groups facing the pandemic. Through the placement of volunteers and other programme interventions such as training workshops and small grants, VSO is addressing the needs of women and orphans and vulnerable children as well as developing opportunities for local people to become involved in volunteering in their own communities.