#VETSVolunteerVoices brings you stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Hiya Goyal, a Communications Advisor who spent five months in Laos (November 2025–March 2026) with our local partner, Health Poverty Action, strengthening communications and knowledge sharing while exploring how listening and storytelling can bridge gaps between policy, research, and community experience.
This field report from Laos shares insights from VWB’s Senior Program Officer, Megan Sylka, highlighting how the VETS program, in partnership with CARE Laos, is empowering women, improving animal health, and helping farming communities build climate resilience through sustainable agriculture and One Health practices.
Watch a replay of our World Environment Day 2025 webinar which showcased the voices of VWB’s VETS volunteers working alongside local partners to advance climate-smart agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and One Health solutions. The panelists shared community-led approaches, environmental challenges, and practical innovations from Cambodia, Kenya, and Laos.
#VETSVolunteerVoices brings you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Zainab Baqiri, a Climate Change Advisor who spent four months in Laos (August–November 2024) working with CARE to strengthen climate resilience and adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities.
#VETSVolunteerVoices brings you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Dr. Alina Cota-Merlo (DVM), a Gender and Livelihood Advisor who spent three months in Laos (August – November 2024), supporting gender equality, sustainable agriculture, and community-led development.
Watch a replay of our International Volunteer Day 2024 webinar to celebrate the power of volunteerism and the work of our VETS program volunteers, while also learning about the intersection of gender and climate in Laos.
#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog (part 3 of 3) was contributed by Izabela Wlodarczyk, a Communications Volunteer with our VETS program in Laos (Feb-June 2024).
#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog (part 2 of 3) was contributed by Izabela Wlodarczyk, a Communications Volunteer with our VETS program in Laos (Feb-June 2024).
#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog (part 1 of 3) was contributed by Izabela Wlodarczyk, a Communications Volunteer with our VETS program in Laos (Feb-June 2024).
In this edition of #VETSVolunteerVoices, we shift perspective—from the experiences of VETS volunteers to the voice of one of VWB's longest-standing partners in Ghana. Meet Dr. Anthony "Akunz" Akunzule, Executive Director of the Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET), who has spent more than four decades strengthening animal health systems, empowering rural communities, and mentoring the next generation of veterinary professionals.
In this edition of #VETSVolunteerVoices, we shift perspective — from volunteer reflections to the voice of a local VETS program partner helping shape sustainable agriculture from within. Meet Sophoan Min, Country Representative of AVSF Cambodia, who has spent more than 25 years working alongside farming communities and VETS volunteers to strengthen farmer organizations, promote sustainable agriculture, and build more resilient rural livelihoods.
From coordinating veterinary clinics to supporting future Community Animal Health Workers, Helen Klengenberg's story highlights the importance of local leadership in strengthening animal health across Nunavut. As communities continue to build local capacity, we explore how VWB is working alongside northern partners to improve access to care.
