Chapter 5: FINDINGS
5.6. Category 4: Volunteer needs met through programme involvement
5.6.1. Physical Needs
The volunteers within the groups reported that some of their physical needs were met by the programme as they received some money for their involvement in the programme.
(Again it must be mentioned that the money received by the volunteers was a reimbursement of the money spent by them on transportation costs).
FG1 P1: ...but I knew that as a volunteer they were going to give us that little bit of money...
For me it was like a blessing, because I finished my matric in 1995, so after finishing from Msunduzi I just stayed at home, I didn't find employment, maybe for 2years. I was not working, not doing anything. So it was like, like I was going crazy. So I knew for the first time when I volunteered to do this job, I was going to get something in my pocket, even though it was not much, at least it was something, [p.2]
FG2 P2: ...Physically, now I am able to buy food for my family, [p.12]
FG2 P8: Physically, I used the money to buy some things that I normally could not afford.
tP-13]
The volunteers also eat the sandwiches and fruit, and drink the juice provided for the participants in the VCP so that they all eat and drink together. Some of the volunteers take their share home for family members. It was therefore interesting that no-one mentioned the food and juice that they received.
5.6.2. Emotional needs
The volunteers reported that some of their own emotional needs have been met through their involvement in the programme. In becoming sensitive to the emotional needs of the children, they are now more aware of their own emotional needs and how to deal with them.
FG1 P3: I think more emotionally. One month, I spoke with xxx [project co-ordinator] about something which has weighed heavily on my heart for a long time, and I talked with her and tried to solve it, ja. It helped a lot. [p.20]
FG2 P2: Emotionally, I now know how to deal with other people's emotions or feelings. Now I know that if I have my own problem I need to speak with another person that will help me to deal with it more effectively, [p. 12]
FG2 P3: Emotionally, I now know that if I have a problem I need to share it with someone else, [p.12]
5.6.3. Cognitive needs
The volunteers report gaining knowledge from their training and through their
involvement in the programme this has helped them in understanding children and has altered their parenting patterns.
FG2 P6: Cognitively, it has helped me to gain more knowledge, [p.12]
FG2 P2: Cognitively, it has been a long time since I left school, so this programme has helped to stimulate me. [p. 12]
5.6.4. Social needs
Through their involvement in the programme, the volunteers have met other people from within their community. They report that the other volunteers have been supportive as they are able to talk to each other and share their experiences with somebody who understands what it is like to be a part of the VCP. They have also become recognised within their communities, and are approached by members of their communities when they experience personal difficulties. One volunteer reports that he had been approached to speak at social functions.
FG2 P 1 : ... Socially, it has helped me to communicate and socialise with people, and the children know that this is a person that they can speak to. Even adults come to me. The community members have noticed me and come to my house, [p.12]
FG2 P4: ...Socially, as you know that we were teaching at xxx [names a school], most of the children there know me and they would go and tell their parents, and if the parents have problems they would come to me and they ask for the knowledge that I have. [p. 13]
FG1 P2: I do socialise with these ladies and I have met some other people, [p.19]
However, one of the volunteers that was studying at a tertiary institution throughout her involvement in the programme, reports that her participation in the programme limits her social time with her university friends.
P5: ...since I'm here at school I don't have enough time to go out and do the things that I like to do.
Researcher: So you have enjoyed working in this programme, but it also takes up your time.
P5: Because when they're running this programme, sometimes I wish that I could go and join my friends at this place, [p.19]
5.6.5. Spiritual needs
Many of the participants report being church-goers. Although the volunteers haven't directly had their spiritual needs met through their involvement in the programme, two of the volunteers from the second group however have reported that they have become recognised in their churches since they have become involved in the programme. P1 reports being given more responsibility by his pastor, and P3 reports that she has become more confident in helping or counselling people in her church.
FG2 P 1 : Spiritually, I am a church goer, but I haven't been going to church lately, so the pastor came to my house to see how I was, and now he has found that I am doing something like this in the community. So if something like this happens in the church they are able to contact me, to help. So now they refer some people to me at church, [p.11]
FG2 P3: Spiritually, as a Christian, now if there is someone with a problem in church, I know how to deal with them. [p.13]
There is a spiritual component in the VCP since sessions begin and end with prayers and hymns. These are frequently led by the facilitators, but could also be led by a child who volunteers to take on this role.
5.4.6. Summary
Involvement in the VCP has served to meet some of the personal needs of the volunteers themselves. These needs include the volunteers': physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual needs.