Volunteering – What is in it for you? A Case Study of Youth Empowerment in Kampala

Abstract: The high youth unemployment in Uganda has resulted in youth volunteering to gain competitive advantages in the labour market. Volunteering has an important place in social development, and it is beneficial for the individual. This study investigated how youth volunteering within non-governmental organisations are creating opportunities for youth empowerment in Kampala, Uganda. A majority of previous research focuses on the developed world; therefore this study provides new insight to volunteering in the developing world. This case study used an embedded mixed method design including a survey, observations, and semi-structured interviews, focusing on four aspects of volunteering: the motivations, the individual benefits, as well as volunteers’ relationship to their organisation and community. The study found respondents to have multiple reasons for volunteering, combining egoistic and altruistic motivations and that through volunteering the respondents developed personal skills. At the same time it was common for them to be working unpaid for long periods, with limited ability to influence the organisation’s work. Most respondents felt comfortable and safe in the organisation, but only had limited to satisfactory support from adults in the organisation. Finally, the respondents felt their volunteering at the organisation made an impact on the community.