Skip to main content

Six photos that show ICS is no holiday

Volunteering isn't easy. And ICS definitely isn't a holiday.

On your placement you'll be pushed out of your comfort zone. You'll do things you never thought possible. But when your placement's over, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

Check out Daniel's brilliant photos from his placement in Hoima, western Uganda. You might even decide you're up for a challenge too.

Students of a welding outreach centre demonstrate their skills to a local youths during a careers fair
© Daniel Grabowy
Students of a welding outreach centre demonstrate their skills to a local youths during a careers fair

1. Youth lifting up youth

Students of a welding centre demonstrate their skills to local young people during a careers fair organised by VSO ICS volunteers.

VSO ICS volunteers clean the grounds of a local hospital
© Daniel Grabowy
VSO ICS volunteers clean the grounds of a local hospital

2. Saving the planet

Sometimes it takes courage to stand up for nature. ICS volunteers across the world make sure that yesterday's rubbish won't have an impact on tomorrow.

VSO ICS volunteer Julius Ayella teaches local children about the Sustainable Development Goals
© Daniel Grabowy
VSO ICS volunteer Julius Ayella teaches local children about the Sustainable Development Goals

3. Challenging conversations

The things that need to be said aren't always the easiest to say. We love what the UN's Sustainable Development Goals stand for. But if we're going to achieve their target of ending poverty by 2030, we all need to get behind them.

VSO ICS volunteer Georgia Ball facilitates a youth champion training session
© Daniel Grabowy
VSO ICS volunteer Georgia Ball facilitates a youth champion training session

4. Making sure all voices are heard

Some voices dominate the conversation. You'll be using your skills to change that. VSO volunteer Georgia's here facilitating a youth champion training session as her team introduce the community to ICS.

VSO ICS volunteers Happy Okech and Mariam Adamz man the snacks & information stand
© Daniel Grabowy
VSO ICS volunteers Happy Okech and Mariam Adamz

5. Welcome to your new life

It takes courage to throw yourself in. Through ICS you'll inspire and engage young people. VSO volunteers Happy Okech and Mariam Adamz are pictured here during an ICS launch event as they help to share their knowledge.

VSO ICS volunteer Georgia Ball says goodbye to fellow volunteer Fiona Lamakio
© Daniel Grabowy
VSO ICS volunteer Georgia Ball says goodbye to fellow volunteer Fiona Lamakio

6. Saying goodbye is hard

All good things have to come to an end. Who knew you'd make friendships that would last a lifetime. Think you don't do emotional goodbyes? Think again.

Dfid Logo

Funded by the UK Government.

ICS is funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which projects the UK as a force for good in the world, including reducing poverty and tackling global challenges.

Find out more