The Role of Volunteerism for Community Development in Gondar City: The Case of Community Care Coalition Volunteers in Azezo -Tseda Sub- city

Abstract

The purpose of this study is examining the role of volunteerism for community development in Azezo-Tseda sub-city. As qualitative study, this investigation followed a case study crosssectional research design. The unit of analysis was volunteerism in community care coalition

operating within two kebeles of the sub-city; kebele 19 and 20. Purposive, non-probability

sampling was used to collect data volunteers, vulnerable society members and community care

coalition staff members. Eighteen volunteers (for the purpose of in-depth interview), twelve

vulnerable members of the community (as FGD discussants), and two key informants from the

CCC were taken as research participants. The findings of the study showed that volunteerism has played great role in economic, social and environmental sectors. Moreover, volunteerism

contributed for community development by enhancing social, human, physical and cultural

capitals of the community. The study also identified volunteer, organizational, and community

related challenges for volunteerism works and its vital role for community development.

Moreover, advocacy work, capacity building practices, fund raising activities and promoting

local resource mobilization are major strategies for alleviating the major challenges of volunteerism for community development.