The Roles of Volunteers in Community Development: The Case of Volunteers who are Working at Live-Addis Ethiopian Resident Charity in Addis Ababa
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Date
2015-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Volunteerism refers to helping groups, individuals and communities without financial gain. However, the contribution and motivation factor of Volunteers is not studied in the Ethiopia context in general and in the study area in particular. Thus, this cross sectional research is aimed at exploring the roles and significant contribution of Volunteers in community development and their motivational factors at Livelihood Improvement for Vulnerable Ethiopia (LIVE)-Addis Ethiopian Resident Charity. The study used qualitative method with case study design. Data were gathered through observation, document review and interview with Volunteers and staff members of LIVE-Addis Ethiopian Resident Charity. The study participants of this research were nine Volunteer and two key informants from LIVE -Addis. Findings of this study revealed that, Volunteers have significant roles in community development and they are playing pivotal roles to achieve organizational goals. They have big roles in terms of filling the resource gap by contributing through their knowledge and skill, finance and idea. The findings also indicate that motivational factors to engage in community development activities are a desire to help the organization and communities to enhance their capacities and potentials; and to ensue common wellbeing. This study forwarded implications for policy advocacy, social work education and social work practice. At the end, the role of media in promoting Volunteerism and challenges of Volunteerism is mentioned as implication for further study or area of other investigation
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Volunteerism; Community; Volunteers; Development; LIVE-Addis; Ethiopia