Introduction to VSO: VSO is the world`s leading international non-governmental organisation that works through volunteers to create a fair world for everyone. Our work centres on those who are left out by society - those living in extreme poverty or with disability and illness. Those who face discrimination and violence because of their gender, sexuality, or social status. Those who are at risk from disaster, disease, and conflict. But they are not passive beneficiaries of aid; they are the "primary actors" at the heart of our efforts. From their perspective, we define the issues, opportunities, and solutions that drive sustainable, local-led change. These individuals are the key agents of their own transformation.

Our Approach: Our Volunteering for Development (VfD) method supports the most vulnerable and marginalised to achieve their rights and bring about lasting change to create a fair world for everyone. Rooted in addressing the fundamental causes of marginalisation and vulnerability, our three core approaches - social inclusion and gender, social accountability, and resilience - guide our work in inclusive education, health, and resilient livelihoods. Our Volunteering for Development method recognises the importance of relationships in forging a shared understanding and commitment and building collective action to lasting change. With most of our volunteers being national, we build blended teams of community, national, and international volunteers, uniting diverse perspectives, and experiences to generate insight, innovation, and action that tackles the complex issues faced by our communities. This kindles the potential for active citizenship worldwide, encouraging people to step forward and lead the change that fosters a fair world for all.

Project background and contextual information: The ACTIVE Extension Project is part of a multi-country initiative across Asia and Africa that strengthens civil society groups (CSGs) through volunteering for development (VfD) while enhancing the capability and accountability of public systems. In Bangladesh, ACTIVE accompanies youth and community led (e.g. Farmers association) platforms/networks across all 64 districts. The goal is to lead their own development pathways, engage in civic and policy spaces, co-create inclusive, resilient and accountable services. Through practical, community-led interventions in SRHR, climate resilience and DRR, livelihoods and system strengthening, CSGs apply participatory practices to foster inclusion, build resilience, mobilise resources and sustain development gains. The specific goal is to support CSGs for building confidence, facilitating peer learning and connecting groups to tools, networks and other stakeholders so that, communities can organise, collaborate, and advocate at their own pace. By scaling models like the National Youth Forum and MILE and creating synergies with other VSO initiatives.