volunteer-in-africa
Webmasters May 26, 2021 No Comments

RESEARCH ON VOLUNTEERISM AND ITS CONSQUENCES

Volunteerism is a form of helping in which people actively seek out opportunities. To assist others in need, make considerable and continuing commitments to assist. And sustain these commitments over extended periods, often at considerable personal cost. Several features mark it as a distinctive form of helping. Unlike the helping that occurs spontaneously in response to emergencies, volunteers typically seek out opportunities to help. Unlike the obligated helping that occurs in the context of ongoing relationships. Volunteers typically do not know those they help in advance and have no prior bonds of obligation to help them.

To understand the psychology of volunteerism, researchers have identified diverse personal and social motivations served by volunteering. Have developed inventories to assess these motivations, and explored their role in the processes. By which people initiate and sustain their involvement in voluntary helping. Theoretically, the study of volunteerism is informative about forms of helping that are playful, sustained. And that occurs in the absence of bonds of obligation. Practically, it can inform the practice of volunteerism. Specifically, the ways that organizations can enhance the recruitment, placement, and retention of volunteers.

CONSEQUENCES OF VOLUNTEERISM

Research on the consequences of volunteerism has considered its effects on the volunteers themselves. The recipients of volunteer services, and the wider community. Snyder and Omoto (2008) review outcomes that include changes in attitudes and knowledge. Improved health and subjective well-being, changes in behavior, and the establishment of community bonds. For example, studies of volunteers who work with people living with HIV/AIDS have revealed that such volunteerism leads to increases in knowledge of safer sex practices, reductions in stereotypical beliefs about individuals with HIV/AIDS, and increases in comfort in discussing issues relevant to

HIV/AIDS. Studies of consequences in other volunteer domains have found increases in volunteer self-esteem, self-efficacy and confidence, and even improved academic achievement. In addition, volunteering has been linked to positive health outcomes for volunteers, including increased optimism and longer life, and has been linked to higher subjective well-being for those volunteers who have experienced past traumatic life events. Research on volunteerism

As reviewed by Snyder and Omoto (2008),

the benefits of volunteering extend to the actual recipients of volunteer service. And to the organizations through which volunteers serve. For example, individuals living with HIV/AIDS who have a volunteer providing companionship. And home help has been shown to have better psychological functioning as compared to those without a volunteer companion. However, more research needs to be conducted on the impact of volunteer help on aid recipients, to determine. For example, whether receiving volunteer assistance might be threatening to recipients’ self-esteem or self-efficacy. More research is also needed on the positive impacts of volunteerism on service organizations. To build upon the aforementioned economic benefits to organizations and the growth of social capital.

The building of community bonds and social networks occurs for volunteers, help recipients. And a member of the organizations through which volunteers serve (Omoto and Snyder, 2010). These community bonds have been linked to not only volunteer behavior maintenance but also the willingness of community members. To engage in other efforts aimed at improving the quality of life for the community. Including the amount of money donated in support of causes, attending fund-raisers, and engaging in civic and political activism. In addition, these social networks increase the overall effectiveness of volunteers. As well as serve as means to recruit future volunteers.

Thus, psychological research on the consequences of volunteerism has documented benefits for individual volunteers. The recipients of volunteer services, the organizations through which volunteers serve, and the wider community. For volunteers and recipients, these include health and psychological benefits, as well as increased social capital. For organizations and communities, the benefits include the improved capability to address problems. And the ability to keep volunteers involved for longer periods.

 

 

Volunteering in Uganda
Webmasters February 15, 2021 4 Comments

THE MOTIVE TO VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering either through individual or group action is away in which: human values of community,
caring and serving can be sustained and strengthened it is a fundamental building block of civil society. It
brings to life the noble aspirations of human kind, the pursuit of peace, freedom, opportunity, safety.
For every reason a person volunteers, there is a need associated and to effectively convey gratitude, it is
necessary to determine what everyone’s distinct need is. Everyone has a button that can be pushed and the
issue is intriguing each potential volunteer so they will become ebullient in a distinct way. These
necessities include, an agency that has a stimulating mission has a good reputation, is effective at what it
does, is financially secure, and makes them feel needed and valuable. A program that successfully attracts
and retains volunteers reduces the number of people entering and exiting through a revolving door, saves
volunteer leaders from the incessant undertaking of filling roles, and offers gratifying and enduring
volunteer experiences.Volunteering in Uganda

There are several factors relating to peoples’ motives for volunteering, which included the following:

a) Serves as a groundwork for employment
b) Presents a reward for displeasing employment
c) Offers opportunities to meet people and build relationships
d) Provides opportunity for personal growth, development, and recognition
Maxwell (1993) addressed factors associated with the motivation of volunteers. When people are
involved in creating something, they will support it because they have an investment in the issue, which
can be referred to as goal participation. Displeased volunteers are eager or inspired to make an immediate
change; also known as positive dissatisfaction.

“Potential board members, volunteers, and staff who feel their skills and passion will be put to good use
will be inclined to contribute their efforts to a successful non-profit, advancing their active participation in
the community while benefiting your non-profit and its mission” (LaPiana & Hayes, 2005, p. 42). These
authors also discussed that some competitive challenges distinctive to these organizations include the
following: community involvement, mission, and public perception. It is essential to keep these elements
in mind regarding attracting, motivating, and retaining volunteers.

Significant contributions, goal participation, positive dissatisfaction, recognition, and clear expectations
also motivate people to engage in volunteer work. People may be interested in volunteering based on
altruistic or instrumental motives. Furthermore, some people are inspired to engage in volunteer roles
because of ethical motives such as a desire to help others, religious beliefs, believe it is a social duty, or
help themselves feel better. Others with influential reasons may want to prepare for employment
opportunities, better use free time, interact with others, gain experience in a field, or help with displeasing
employment issues. They also explained that when volunteers work in an encouraging environment,
recognize efforts, and work to maintain positive relationships, they are more likely to remain engaged.

Other reasons that motivate people to engage in volunteer capacities include significant contributions,
goal participation, positive dissatisfaction, recognition, and clear expectations.

When it is appropriate for volunteers to assist in recruiting other volunteers, Retention can be positively impacted. Furthermore,
when volunteers represent an organization, this indicates trust, a confident organizational culture, and
assurance that the agency offers a worthwhile experience for the volunteers. Fisher and Cole (1993)
explained that psychological needs can impact a person’ interest and decision to volunteer. An
environment can influence the choice to continue volunteering. Hager and Brudney (2004) explained that
age can be a factor in volunteer engagement and commitment. They continued to discuss that people
under age 24 are known to have lower retention rates and are less likely to sustain relationships compared
to older volunteers. Due to the substantial preparation and consideration associated with a person’s
decision to volunteer suggests that individual needs are essential foundations of volunteer motivation
(Dwyer, et al., 2013).

This involves determining where people fit, how their abilities can be put to proper use, and then provides
them with the tools needed to adequately perform their roles. Volunteers are more likely to remain
engaged when they have the resources needed to successfully perform their position, have a clear
understanding of expectations, are interviewed, and reasonably placed in their appointment.
In conclusion People engage in volunteer capacities because they care; therefore, it is essential to provide
them with opportunities to contribute as much as they can.

Volunteering opportunities in Uganda
Webmasters October 20, 2018 1 Comment

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES IN UGANDA.

Volunteering opportunities in Uganda

Uganda is a pearl of Africa, it is well known for its striking physical features, safe and peaceful state, and as a bird watcher’s paradise. Unfortunately, it is one of the poorest countries in the world, and the majority of the population lives under the poverty line.

It lacks fundamental infrastructures like education, health care, clean running water, and waste management. Our projects in needy communities allow volunteers to share skills, knowledge, and experience to help others as they experience the cultures and explore the country.

Firstly Community development

Community development is one of the volunteering opportunities in Uganda. It is done in form of Education, teaching the locals how to write and read. The volunteer must teach the English language in classes, arrange the lesson plans, and among others. This opportunity allows the volunteers to interact with the locals hence learning the cultures of Uganda.

This also enables the unique aspects of the classes in the cultural exchange. Meaning the Volunteers get a chance to learn the diverse cultural backgrounds and understand more of the local culture. If one gets the TESL certification in the previous experience to manage English classes. Then there is a great opportunity for one to participate in the program with ease and gain valuable.

The requirements needed; one should be fluent in English, proof of age (copy of passport). One must be 18 years and above to start attending the appropriate projects with adult accompaniment.

secondly health care volunteering

Health care involves assisting the local healthcare team depending on your expertise or interest, this is done through organizing health workshops about HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, voluntary testing and counseling, improving the sanitation and quality of drinking water in the villages. This includes building dry racks, digging latrines, clearing drinking wells, and educating on how to keep a healthy lifestyle, treating the patients.

This is done to Ugandans staying in rural areas. It is very hard for them to access proper healthcare. Rural communities are still experiencing the spread of diseases like childhood illness, measles, parasitic diseases, HIV/AIDS, and malaria.

So as a contribution, we have teamed up with our partner organization on the ground. To support the work of the rural community health clinics, centers, hospitals, and medical teams that run the dental general clinics through volunteering.

The health care program is suitable for volunteers who are medical experts, medical students, or pre-med students. Who is interested to share experiences to help others gain experience providing health service in a rural setting. This helps to educate the rural people on health-related issues. The requirements are fluent in English, proof of age, one must be 18 years and the possible workplaces are the clinics, health centers, and hospitals.

Lastly orphanage program

Volunteering in an orphanage is another program in Uganda. So the volunteers in an orphanage are expected to show tender care and love for the kids. Help them out with bathing, feeding, cleaning, and homework, and also treat their minor wounds.

One should also engage the kids in recreational activities like games, music, dance, sports and also teach the kids personal hygiene and moral behaviors. This particular opportunity is suitable for volunteers who love working with the children in a fun and educative way.

The main focus of the orphanages is to provide care, feeding, shelter, and clothing for the children. These children are typically around the age of 3 years to 16 years. And they have been abandoned by their family or some are orphaned.

These homes are the works of the selfless locals who out of their beautiful hearts and out of love and compassion are doing all they can. So that they keep the unfortunate children out of the streets. They are given hope and aspiration into the future.

Volunteering opportunities in Uganda are very many waiting for you to undertake this season. Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.