VMM International, Volunteer Mission Movement, are an international development and volunteering organisation for both short term volunteering and long term volunteering placements, with the onus on a true exchange of values and skills. Our vision is to help create ‘a world where we live in the shelter of one another’. Our mission is ‘to share who we are and not just what we have’, and we love doing what we do! With a long history stretching back to 1969, we have placed thousands of volunteers, which has led to astonishing results for communities and for the volunteers themselves. We help volunteers of all ages; students, professionals on a career break and retirees, to step into communities and get stuck into projects of real value to local people and our partnerships with strong and well-established, organisations, playing our part to deliver the aspirations of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

VMM Volunteers, Sally and Keith, in Uganda
We currently work in nine African countries, helping our grass roots partners take care of the needs that, importantly, local people tell us are most important to them. Projects tend to cover education, health, human rights and advocacy to agricultural and environmental, capacity building, construction and community development initiatives and we have partnerships with civic, community and church organisations. VMM are inspired by faith and we maintain an all-inclusive organisation and welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or politics.
What to know more? Explore our short term opportunities!
The short term programme allows volunteers of all ages to work directly alongside VMM long-term projects. Opportunities exist from 2 weeks to 6 months, in teams or individual placements and internships. Involvement will contribute to development in the overseas host community, as well as broaden the horizons and motivate those involved for continued concern and commitment to support global justice and development issues.
VMM has more than 30 partners in Africa who can assist with the development of short term projects. All project partners have proven good practice in development work with strategic plans, child safeguarding and financial policies in place.
So whether you are a school-leaver, college student, working or retired, looking for a career break, or just want to be part of something special, get in touch with a member of our team to start your memorable journey.
VMM INTERNSHIPS IN AFRICA – Three Month Placements
Competency area | Learning Focus Web |
Web Development and Computer Maintenance | Maintenance and updating of websites Creation of institutional social platforms eg Twitter, Facebook etc Networking, IT training |
Proposal Development | Resource mobilization for different programs and projects Development strategies and priorities for new partner organisations Development of unique fundraising materials |
Organic Farming | Learning on best environmentally healthy farming practices Learning how to work with motivated, poor farmers Integration of dairy, horticulture, pre and post-harvest management Value addition |
Administration | Learn how to administer and manage integrated programs Integration of donor interest into programing of different projects all over the world Duties and responsibilities of personnel Learn how to review and develop policy documents Understanding of NGO’s operation, environment, strengths and realities |
Social Work | Dynamics in culture Community and social group work Social care case work |
Medical Personnel e.g. nurses, clinical officers, pharmacists, lab technologists |
Learning about tropical illnesses and diseases The use of alternative medical practises e.g. use of herbal medicines Traditional Birth AttendantsMalnutrition Active Case finding in the community Interaction and understanding of the various HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatments Management of a pharmacy with limited resources and application of laboratory procedures, protocols and systems |
Human Rights | Learning about anti-trafficking legislation – national and international Identification of gaps in law, case law research, care mechanisms for victims of trafficking Human Rights and Gender based research Youth affairs Learn about the youth situation in rural communities Observing opportunities, challenges and realities versus perception Impact of HIV/AIDS on youth and families |
Research | Quantitative and qualitative research in various disciplines (ideal for masters or PhD students) Innovative Health Technology Supporting evidence for international and national funding proposals and grant |
For further information on any of the opportunities above email the programme coordinator: