One in four people are hungry or cannot regularly access nutritious food, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In addition, one in three people don’t have access to safe drinking water according to the World Health Organization.
Of those who are hungry, 60% are women and girls. They’re also the ones who collect water in 80% of households without running water. Tragically, nearly 50% of children under five who die do so because of issues related to undernutrition. Sadly, many others also die due to issues related to unsafe or unreliable water sources.
Effective solutions include a range of activities from short-term emergency relief to long-term strategic initiatives, such as taking climate action, assisting individuals with diversitying and increasing their earning potential and facilitating community farming projects.
Most of our work on food and water insecurity focuses on supporting local community food gardening initiatives, usually with women and to feed children. We also facilitate sustainable agriculture with all members of the community and nutrition workshops mostly with mothers. In the past, we’ve also assisted with installing rainwater harvesting systems.
Our Current Initiatives
- Nutrition workshops for mothers with children under five in Fiji in collaboration with the Fiji Ministry of health
- Nutrition programs for children under five in Nepal
- Sustainable food production workshops in Costa Rica
- Rainwater harvesting system construction in Fiji in collaboration with local communities
- Community food gardening in Mexico
- Community food gardening in South Africa
8531
meals were provided to children under the age of five in 2018
217
community members attended workshops on sustainable food production in 2018
761
community members attended workshops on maternal nutrition in 2018
Where you can contribute
Contribute to sustainable and long-term gender equality initiatives in Siem Reap, a bustling city in Cambodia.
Immerse yourself in the local culture and gain valuable teaching experience while you contribute to sustainable development projects.
Work on increasing gender equality awareness in Cambodia while teaching English.
Teach English and create awareness around preventative health practices.
Work with women entrepreneurs, students and small business owners from the local community in business planning and development initiatives.
Volunteer to provide much-needed public health support in Nepal.
Sign up for this internship and help us provide much-needed healthcare support to communities in Nepal
Join our long-term and sustainable women’s empowerment initiatives in the stunning town of Pokhara, Nepal.
Start your international development career in Nepal.
Contribute to sustainable and long-term women’s empowerment initiatives in Nepal.
Trek up to the sacred Annapurna Sanctuary and contribute to local community empowerment initiatives in Pokhara.
Contribute to public health in both Thailand and Nepal.
Improve health and well-being in the community of Ban Nam Khem in Southern Thailand through education.
Start your career in global health by completing our public health internship abroad in Southern Thailand.
Contribute to public health in both Thailand and Nepal.
Join teens from around the world on this high-impact Costa Rican adventure.
Contribute to gender equality initiatives in Cimarrones, Costa Rica.
Travel to the coastal town of Cimarrones, Costa Rica to complete a community development internship.
Gain work experience in community development in the Peruvian context.
Support the local community members of Oxapampa to achieve their individual goals and those of their community.
Assist with implementation of livelihood strategies to protect the environment for the benefit of future generations of the Dawasamu district.
Immerse yourself in the local culture and contribute to community development projects in the South Pacific.
On this community development project, you will assist in maximising water security in the Dawasamu region of Fiji.
Public health support is a major benefit to any local community. This program aims to enrich the Dawasamu community through initiatives encouraging a healthier way of living.
Kickstart your international development career while immersing yourself in the Fijian culture and exploring the gorgeous tropical island landscape.
Assist in delivering global public health workshops to the local community in Dawasamu, where you will gain real-life experience to expand your career development in the field of public health.
Gain invaluable skills related to intercultural competency, advanced communication and leadership, to set you apart and boost your resume and career development.
Work with Ghanaian women and girls to provide skills-related training, promote gendered approaches to health and well-being and improve computer literacy and English language skills.
Volunteer to assist in improving physical and mental health for women, girls and communities in Ghana, West Africa.
Work closely with our project partners in Ghana to run skills development programs for local women.
Help improve health and well-being in communities near Cape Town.
At the moment, there is an open dialogue about gender equality happening all over the world. Make your contribution to long-term initiatives in this field, while visiting Cape Town, South Africa.
Gain experience in global public health in the South African context.
Travel to South Africa to assist with expanding long-term gender equality efforts in Cape Town.
Study the complex issues that lead to gender inequity in South Africa’s townships.
GVI Volunteer Testimonial...
GVI Volunteer Testimonials...
GVI Volunteer Testimonials...
GVI Volunteer Testimonial...