Local Volunteers Research Articles

Evaluating effects of meal delivery on the ability of homebound older adults to remain in the community via a pragmatic, two-arm, randomized comparative effectiveness trial: study protocol for the Deliver-EE trial

BackgroundAs food insecurity and healthcare costs are linked, healthcare entities (i.e., providers, healthcare systems, insurers) are increasingly interested in identifying and providing solutions to address food insecurity among their patients. Home-delivered meals are one long-standing solution to address food insecurity among homebound older adults. However, there is limited evidence about what mode of delivery is most effective in promoting community independence, reducing healthcare utilization, and improving quality of life as well as how these outcomes may vary as a function of people’s preferences for how meals are delivered to them.MethodsWith extensive stakeholder input, we designed and implemented a pragmatic randomized comparative effectiveness study in which we will enroll 2300 older adults on waiting lists at home-delivered meals programs across the country and randomize them to receive for 6 months, either (1) weekday lunchtime meals delivered by a local volunteer or driver who also provides socialization and wellness checks or (2) biweekly delivery of 10 frozen meals to participants’ homes. Participant data will be combined with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) data to calculate post-randomization institutional vs. community days. Baseline and 3-month surveys will evaluate secondary outcomes (e.g., food insecurity, loneliness, quality of life) and exploratory outcomes (e.g., nutritional risk). To examine heterogeneity of treatment effects, we will test for interactions between the two types of meal delivery and participants’ preferred mode of meal delivery as well as participants’ living arrangements.DiscussionThis research will be the first to prospectively evaluate the comparative effectiveness of the two predominant meal delivery options. The knowledge generated from this research will be of value to healthcare providers, health systems, payers, community-based organizations, older adults, and their families, because it will identify the mode of meal delivery that best meets homebound older adults’ needs and promotes community independence. In addition, the experience of working closely with stakeholders in designing and conducting this trial will be useful to researchers seeking to engage with stakeholders in the development and evaluation of complex social service interventions while balancing regulatory, resource, and human subjects research considerations.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05357261. Registered on May 02, 2022

Heritage and Community: Rehabilitation of a Traditional Kabyle House in Achelouf, Bejaia

This paper details the rehabilitation of a traditional Kabyle house in the village of Achelouf in Bejaia, Algeria, emphasizing its importance as part of local heritage and identity. The intervention, initiated by local associations, has involved support from CAPTERRE (the Algerian Center for Earthen Cultural Heritage) and the participation of students and local volunteers. This collaborative effort reflects the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

Beyond catching fish: exploring community-based management efforts to restore a Sub-Arctic lake in Norway

Across the world, local communities are actively engaging in management and monitoring of natural resources. The underlying driver of most community-driven efforts goes beyond the utilizations of natural resources to entail a deeper relation to the place or ecosystem they are managing. The aim of this study is to understand what motivates a local volunteer group to spend considerable amount of time and resources to manage and restore a subarctic lake. We used a case study approach combining analysis of documents, participant observation and semi-structured interviews to explore their narrative. The findings show that values, such as care, responsibility, and stewardship, were the primary motivation of this effort and its ultimate goal. The project also promoted relational values like social cohesion, cultural identity, and knowledge-sharing. Despite no longer being essential for subsistence, the lake retains cultural and social significance, highlighting the need to document informal community-based monitoring and management practices for understanding ecological dynamics. The implications include the importance of recognizing relational values in shaping behaviour towards nature for achieving sustainability.

Governmental implementation of information and communication technology at the local level: Digital co‐production during a crisis

AbstractThe rapid expansion of volunteerism, especially during COVID‐19, requires efficient organisation of citizen volunteers, thus leading professionals to utilise information and communication technology (ICT) as an enabling tool for interaction and coordination. This study focuses on professionals’ perspectives at the local level regarding governmental steps towards digitalisation and its application in volunteer co‐production. The policy implementation approach was used through in‐depth interviews with 19 local coordinators in Israel during the COVID‐19 crisis. This study found that, while central government invested efforts in training, guidance, and ICT support for professionals, the implementation of digital technologies was not successful at the local level. This highlights the need for digital platforms for volunteer coordination to be be tailored to specific cultural characteristics and local contexts. Neglected but important factors in ICT implementation were identified, including intra‐organisational dynamics, the local community, and authority. By addressing these contextual factors and adopting a more inclusive and context‐sensitive approach, digital platforms can better support local volunteer coordination efforts.Points for practitioners Adopt a holistic approach to digitalisation: Senior‐level administrators in central government should adopt a holistic approach to digitalisation, one that accounts for local contexts—cultural characteristics and collaborative governance structures. This approach should involve coordinators in the development process, together with other stakeholders involved in co‐production. Focus on user‐centric platform design and implementation: To ensure usability and acceptance among coordinators, practitioners should prioritise a user‐centric approach to platform design and implementation. This entails constructing intuitive, user‐friendly platforms, meeting the needs of the coordinators involved in the digitalisation process. Address organisational characteristics and overcome barriers: Practitioners should recognise municipal organisational characteristics, thus obviating potential barriers to digital technology implementation. This includes such factors as status and professional position within the municipality, securing bureaucratic commitment, and overcoming governmental bureaucracy or a lack of leadership.

The Role of the Civil Service Police Unit in Public Order and Community Peace

The general background maintenance of public order and community peace is a critical aspect of local governance, particularly in urban settings where diverse populations coexist. Specific background reveals that the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) plays a significant role in upholding these values, yet there is limited research examining their effectiveness in specific districts. Knowledge gap persists in understanding the comprehensive functions and impacts of Satpol PP in maintaining public order within local communities. This study aims to analyze and describe the role of the Satpol PP in implementing public order and community peace in a specific district. Results indicate that the Satpol PP engages in various activities, including community outreach, training for local volunteers, and proactive measures to prevent disturbances, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to their responsibilities. Novelty lies in the identification of active, participatory, and passive roles that the Satpol PP adopts, which offers a more nuanced understanding of their functions. Implications of this research suggest that strengthening the capacity of the Satpol PP could enhance community engagement and further improve public safety. By providing a detailed examination of their roles, this study contributes to the broader discourse on local governance and community development, offering insights that may inform policy and practice in similar contexts. Highlights: Active role in maintaining public order through various strategies. Community participation in reporting issues to the Satpol PP. Training programs to enhance the capabilities of Linmas and Satpol PP personnel. Keywords: Satpol, Community, Public Order, Participation, Capacity Building

Developing children's local food programs: One volunteer's perspective

While volunteers are widespread in U.S. local food systems, they have not been the focus of data collection or research. As a result, we have limited understanding of the perspectives and motivations of local food volunteers. In this reflective essay, I describe my insights from volunteering in Alexan­dria, Virginia. The two initiatives that I focus on were to establish a “Power of Produce” program at my local farmers market and an after-school culinary and gardening program at a private ele­mentary school. The former program I have been able to sustain for three years (as of this writing), whereas the latter program was discontinued after two eight-week sessions. In this essay, I describe my motivations in conceptualizing and organizing these programs. I also describe challenges I encoun­tered due to inexperience or capacity constraints as a volunteer. I conclude by discussing how additional research that examines the roles and motivations of volunteers could be valuable.

The significance of crisis identification using community‐driven model

AbstractWhile the identification of crisis situations has been one of the major social issues in Korea, the approach to addressing this issue is biased toward a government‐centric system, and consequently, there is limited research exploring the significance of a community‐driven crisis identification model. Focus group interviews were conducted among local volunteers and project managers actively engaged in the “Good Neighbors Project.” The exploration of the significance of community‐driven crisis identification, the challenges associated, and strategies to strengthen the community‐driven crisis identification model led to the identification of a total of eight sub‐themes. Based on the findings, to effectively identify individuals and families in crisis within the local community, it is necessary to expand the concept of crisis beyond its definition within the public sector, increase opportunities to communicate the significance of community‐driven crisis identification involving volunteers from the local community, and emphasize the need to enhance volunteers' competence.

The Role of Community-Based Programs in HIV/AIDS Management in Uganda: Challenges, Strategies, and Impact

Community-based programs had become a pivotal element in the management of HIV/AIDS in Uganda, addressing the unique needs of diverse communities and bridging gaps left by conventional healthcare systems. These programs, were driven by local organizations, volunteers, and grassroots initiatives, had significantly contributed to prevention, treatment, and support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This review examined the role of these programs, highlighting their impact on community mobilization, access to testing and counseling services, support systems, and the integration of traditional and modern healthcare practices. The review also explored youth-focused HIV prevention efforts and the challenges faced by community-based programs, such as limited resources, persistent stigma, and the need for better integration with national health systems. A comprehensive analysis of relevant literature and case studies was conducted to provide a detailed understanding of these initiatives. The findings emphasized the importance of sustained support, innovative strategies, and collaborative efforts to enhance the effectiveness of community-based programs in Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS. Addressing these challenges and leveraging the strengths of community-based initiatives will be crucial for achieving long-term success in managing the epidemic. Keywords: Community-Based Programs, HIV/AIDS Management, Uganda, Public Health, Stigma and Discrimination.

Role of multi-level institutions in facilitating innovation and adaptation technologies for reducing climate risk and impact: Evidence from coastal communities of Bangladesh

While the role of innovation and adaptation technology in reducing climatic risks is widely recognized, few studies have investigated the role of formal, quasi-formal, and informal institutions in facilitating the adoption of such technology at the local level. The novel contribution of this study is in offering explanations of how local institutions facilitate or create barriers against innovation and implementation of climate adaptation technologies. In this study, we employ a mixed-methods research technique to empirically examine the roles of local institutions in two coastal communities in Bangladesh in facilitating reduction of the impacts of climate hazards. Primary data were collected via interviewing 300 household heads, 26 key informant interviews, and 2 Focus Group Discussion sessions. The findings reveal that local institutions (i.e., formal, quasi-formal, and informal) are actively involved in various partnership-building processes and actions to promote innovation and adaptation technologies at the community level. For example, in the study area of Satkhira District, in collaboration with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as national level government organizations, such as Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Union Parishad Disaster Management Committees are deeply engaged in mobilizing local volunteers to effectively disseminate cyclone-related early warnings. However, significant institutional fragmentation in the country remains a major barrier to the sustainable implementation of various programs related to climatic hazards. For institutions to play their roles sustainably, it is recommended that national policies place greater emphasis on nurturing partnerships among regional stakeholders, as well as facilitating collective action for climate-induced disaster risk reduction and participatory community development.

‘I was the weird one down there’. The intersecting experiences of Norwegian international sport for development and peace volunteers

ABSTRACT For more than two decades, Norway has been one of the leading actors in engaging international volunteers to sport for development and peace (SDP) organisations in the Global South. SDP is a priority area of Norwegian sports politics, mainly projected through the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) where the international SDP volunteer (SDP-IV) scheme is central. Both local and international volunteers play a crucial role in SDP projects worldwide. To date, research on SDP-IVs has explored individual motivations, learning outcomes and experiences, and there is a body of critical literature examining SDP-IVs through the lenses of neo-liberalism, post-colonialism and critical race theory. Nevertheless, there is limited research addressing how SDP-IVs understand their roles as part of larger SDP policy structures. In response, and drawing on intersectional analysis, this paper explores how stories of gender, ethnicity and class intersect in Norwegian SDP-IV’s experiences of working in the Global South under the NIF’s SDP scheme. The study draws on empirical data from an online survey (N = 91) and two focus groups with former Norwegian SDP-IVs. The results suggest that SDP-IVs variously negotiate their roles and positions in local communities based on social categories. Stories of feeling different, finding comfort in other Norwegian SDP-IVs and negotiating power and privilege were recurrent in the data. It is also argued that by entering a system marked by ‘aid rhetoric’, the SDP-IVs may sustain uneven power relationships between the Global North and Global South. The paper draws attention to the need for critically informed SDP volunteer programme designs that better prepare SDP-IVs for work in Global South contexts.

Unveiling awareness and knowledge of orphan plants: catalysts for sustainable transformation in Al-Zarqa Basin, Jordan

The awareness of orphan plants and underutilized species that have agricultural, nutritional, and medicinal importance is critical to the sustainable civilization of people. The lack of knowledge of the orphan plant’s importance stems from insufficient outreach and educational efforts and this may increase the underappreciation of these plants’ ecological relevance which will affect the sustainable environment in the determined region. In this study, Al Zarqa basin region located in the northern part of Jordan was selected as a study case. This is due to it having rich plant biodiversity with many endangered plant species. This study aimed to assess the awareness levels of the civil people in the Al Zarqa basin regarding orphan plants and identify key factors influencing the community’s understanding of these underutilized species. In this study, local youth volunteers distributed an e-questionnaire, and 1000 participants from seven villages were engaged. Different parameters that measure people’s awareness regarding orphan plants were evaluated. Data were collected and statistically analyzed to show the range of the people’s awareness. Data showed the predominant of the samples used were male representation (66%), aged 18–45, engaged in agricultural and handicraft activities, with diverse educational backgrounds, and monthly incomes of 300–500 JD. Limited awareness (23.3%) of ‘orphan plants’ was linked to lower academic levels in the studied areas. Perceived benefits varied, with 36.1% acknowledging moderate advantages and 25.6% perceiving high benefits. Despite recognizing utility, participants lacked specificity in benefits or classification. The study concludes that the region exhibits a dearth of knowledge about orphan plants, necessitating educational initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for the agricultural and medicinal potential of underutilized plant species, contributing to the socioeconomic advancement of residents in the agriculturally endowed Zarqa Basin. This investigation is essential for highlighting the current state of awareness and informing potential outreach and education strategies. Addressing the root cause of underappreciation through targeted initiatives can play a pivotal role in fostering a better understanding of the ecological significance of rare and endangered plants, ultimately contributing to their conservation and sustainable use.

Wearing their heart on a wall: the World’s Biggest Comic

Abstract An arts-based project, using a community development approach engaging people in a community of place to address suicide prevention, is potentially powerful. This involves linking community development and mental health promotion practice. The challenge in doing this is that, conceptually, the integration between the two is incomplete and there is a lack of guidance about effective community processes. This paper analyses community development processes to create the World’s Biggest Comic (WBC). The WBC was an innovative, large scale public art project engaging local artists, some with a lived experience of mental illness, to tell a story of Will and Hope. A 15-part comic story, printed on vinyl canvas panels and mounted on buildings, covered 600 m2. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=217471332673743 Conducted in a small rural South Australian community by the local volunteer Suicide Prevention Network, the WBC aimed to raise awareness, break down stigma, and prompt life-saving conversations. Results of a mixed method impact evaluation are presented using a community development framework that considers ‘people’, ‘space’, and ‘place’. The use of sociological concepts about community and the community field, the value of relationships, and listening to the voices of those with a lived experience of mental illness, may assist practice. Some potential learnings and pitfalls in using a community development approach in mental health promotion are discussed.

Young refugees’ feelings of belonging? Encounters with rural Denmark and northern Norway

ABSTRACT This paper investigates how young refugees settled in rural Norway and Denmark experience their new places of residence. We find inspiration in the idea of ‘contradictions of space’ (Kinkaid [2020]. “Re-encountering Lefebvre: Toward a Critical Phenomenology of Social Space.” Society and Space 38 (1): 167–186.) in exploring how young refugees navigate issues in rural life from housing, education, work and social life to their material surroundings, including the weather. Which experiences result in feelings of meaning and orientation, and which spur feelings of disorientation and contradiction? The empirical material is based on fieldwork and qualitative interviews with young refugees and local volunteers in rural Norway and Denmark. Despite several differences between rural areas in the two countries, young refugees’ experiences from within show many similarities and common experiences between them. The harsh weather, empty streets, lack of familiarity with the more formal community life in rural areas, long distances from sites of education, etc. create feelings of disorientation and contradiction, while socializing with other refugees provides feelings of community and belonging. Taken together, the two aspects drive their decisions to stay in or leave the rural area.

Did the prolonged residual efficacy of clothianidin products lead to a greater reduction in vector populations and subsequent malaria transmission compared to the shorter residual efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl?

BackgroundThe residual activity of a clothianidin + deltamethrin mixture and clothianidin alone in IRS covered more than the period of malaria transmission in northern Benin. The aim of this study was to show whether the prolonged residual efficacy of clothianidin-based products resulted in a greater reduction in vector populations and subsequent malaria transmission compared with the shorter residual efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl.MethodsHuman bait mosquito collections by local volunteers and pyrethrum spray collections were used in 6 communes under IRS monitoring and evaluation from 2019 to 2021. ELISA/CSP and species PCR tests were performed on Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) to determine the infectivity rate and subspecies by commune and year. The decrease in biting rate, entomological inoculation rate, incidence, inhibition of blood feeding, resting density of An. gambiae s.l. were studied and compared between insecticides per commune.ResultsThe An. gambiae complex was the major vector throughout the study area, acounting for 98.71% (19,660/19,917) of all Anopheles mosquitoes collected. Anopheles gambiae s.l. collected was lower inside treated houses (45.19%: 4,630/10,245) than outside (54.73%: 5,607/10,245) after IRS (p < 0.001). A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the biting rate was observed after IRS in all departments except Donga in 2021 after IRS with clothianidin 50 WG. The impact of insecticides on EIR reduction was most noticeable with pirimiphos-methyl 300 CS, followed by the clothianidin + deltamethrin mixture and finally clothianidin 50 WG. A reduction in new cases of malaria was observed in 2020, the year of mass distribution of LLINs and IRS, as well as individual and collective protection measures linked to COVID-19. Anopheles gambiae s.l. blood-feeding rates and parous were high and similar for all insecticides in treated houses.ConclusionTo achieve the goal of zero malaria, the optimal choice of vector control tools plays an important role. Compared with pirimiphos-methyl, clothianidin-based insecticides induced a lower reductions in entomological indicators of malaria transmission.

The Online Support System for Mental Health Problems After the Earthquake: A Prompt Response from The Psychiatric Association of Turkey

IntroductionPrevious research demonstrated that disasters have adverse mental health outcomes. Preventive mental health interventions in the golden hours/days after a disaster may reduce psychological harm by getting in the way of emerging mental disorders or alleviating existing ones. The widespread use of smartphones and broad internet access enabled remote mental health interventions during disasters. After the 2023 Turkey earthquake, observing the mental health burden of the earthquake, The Psychiatric Association of Turkey conducted an online platform for psychological first aid. The aim was to unite volunteer psychiatrists and disaster survivors.ObjectivesThis study presents the organization of an online mental health service during a disaster while reporting the characteristics of the service users.MethodsThe Psychiatric Association of Turkey called its members to volunteer for an Online Support System for Mental Problems After the Earthquake. The group regularly united to set standards of care. An action plan and algorithm were set up for applicants with acute suicidal, homicidal risk, or active psychotic symptoms in collaboration with local institutions and field volunteers. Volunteer psychiatrists were asked to collect information on the applicant’s sociodemographic characteristics, disaster experience, and mental health status.ResultsVolunteer psychiatrists collected data on 180 applications. Most cases applied for themselves (%95.5), and some asked for advice to care for their relatives (%4.5). Earthquake survivors have the highest psychopathology rate (%64.9), followed by healthcare workers and search and rescue personnel (%61.1). Figure 1 summarizes the subgroups of the service users. The earthquake survivors group had a mean age of 34.45, % and 76.1 of them were female. Only %15.7 of them had lower educational levels than high school. %75 cases reached safe places on the 5th day of the disaster. Applicants reported discrimination and aggression after the catastrophe, related to experiencing mental health problems, owning a pet, looting, and being seen as less traumatized since their relatives are alive.Image:ConclusionsThe present experience of the Psychiatric Association of Turkey is an example of a fast and collaborative response to a disaster regarding mental health. Our results also represent the characteristics of online mental health service users during a disaster.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Risk Management and Consequence Management of Internal Migration in the Context of Humanitarian and Economic Challenges (Experience of Zakarpattia Oblast)

This article focuses on the study of Ukraine’s experience, particularly in Zakarpattia oblast, to identify and characterize key consequences of forced internal migration on regional economies and the social sphere of regions and communities. The empirical basis of the research includes (a) the results of a sociological survey conducted in Zakarpattia oblast in November 2022, (b) data from regional statistics on the socio-economic situation in Zakarpattia oblast and (c) data from international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) regarding population migration. It is worth noting that the article was written in June 2023, and therefore all the information presented, including statistical data, is relevant as of the time of writing. The article proposes a series of suggestions for harnessing the potential of internally displaced persons to stimulate regional economic development, which is one of the factors contributing to national resilience. The article provides guidance on managing the consequences of internal migration in the face of challenges, outlining major trends and recommendations that can be utilized as a roadmap during times of martial law or other potential emergencies, such as natural disasters, technological catastrophes, etc. The article is intended not only for the scientific and expert community but also for government officials (both in Ukraine and partner countries), local council members, civil activists and volunteers.

Filling the void: Rural disaster volunteerism during the Swedish wildfires of 2018

In the summer of 2018, both fire and rescue services and volunteers fought against the extensive wildfires that spread over the northern parts of Sweden. The challenges were many and one of the most obvious was the lack of resources provided by the state, both material and human. This lack of official resources, together with the long distances that characterize the rural northern parts of Sweden, have been highlighted in subsequent evaluations as one of the main reasons for the widely spread fires. The lack of official resources in itself can be understood as a consequence of several years of dismantling and centralization of the Swedish fire and rescue service. However, the responses from the local community were enormous. Local volunteers, spontaneous as well as organized, assisted in firefighting; in providing food and services; in offering shelter for evacuated, and many other things. In disaster research, volunteer activities have often been described as something that “fills the void” when official resources are scarce. This seems to be particularly true in rural contexts. This paper applies a critical perspective on rural disaster volunteerism by framing it as an expression of rural vulnerability and peripheralization: as something that is performed as a compensatory act in rural communities affected by social dismantling. In other words, both place and politics are central in understanding rural voluntary activity. Inspired by the theoretical concept geographies of voluntarism, this paper argues that people make sense of volunteer initiatives in relation to both the place where these activities take place and in relation to the power relations associated with this place. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore how rural disaster volunteerism intersects with structural conditions of rurality.

Education on Garden Land Utilization in Efforts to Prevent Stunting in Padang City

The issue of stunting is a global problem that has become the focus of the government's efforts to address it. Based on observations of the nutritional status of toddlers at Posyandu Harapan Ibu, 6 out of 149 toddlers, ten are experiencing stunting, accounting for approximately 6.71% of the total number of toddlers. An initial survey conducted by the community engagement team among ten mothers with toddlers in the Posyandu Harapan Ibu 6 area revealed that most (80%) of these mothers lack knowledge regarding stunting, its prevention, management, and associated risks. The Mata Air area in Padang City, which is part of Posyandu Harapan Ibu 6, has a relatively high prevalence of stunting. However, the potential of family backyard spaces in this area has yet to be optimally utilized. This community engagement initiative aims to enhance the use of family backyard spaces as a source of nutrition for families to prevent stunting. The method employed involves educating local volunteers about the benefits of family backyard spaces as an alternative source of family food, followed by the distribution of plant seeds and planting media. The results of the outreach activities indicate that (1) participants respond to the outreach activities with enthusiasm and vigor, (2) Participants actively engage and proactively participate in the outreach process, and (3) Participants have initiated the implementation of recommendations by utilizing family backyard spaces as a source of food and nutrition for their families by planting the provided plant seeds. This community engagement effort represents a positive endeavor to prevent stunting in the Mata Air area.

From Integration Policies to Belonging: Local Integration Workers’ Boundary Construction Concerning Immigrants in Rural Areas

The concept of integration implies an imbalance between people, where immigrants are those who are obligated to integrate into the society of a new country. Thus, I suggest that alongside of integration, the focus should be the process of belonging and to how different local actors participate in the belonging process. In this study, I examine how people who try to promote immigrants’ integration, namely local migration coordinators, project employees and volunteers, create immigrants’ belonging in rural Finland. The data consist of fourteen semi-structured interviews. My research questions are (1) What symbolic boundaries do local integration workers construct when they speak about immigrants and their integration? and (2) What kind of belonging do they (re)produce for immigrants through these boundaries? I argue that local integration workers establish a notion of belonging that follows the official, national integration policy on language, employment, active membership, and individual immigrants’ adaptation. However, they simultaneously expand the boundaries of belonging by highlighting the responsibility of the local community in the process, and by emphasising immigrants’ personal desires, individuality and experiences of a sense of being at home.

Perceptions of volunteers on the effectiveness of Kenya Medical Training College-run free medical camps in enhancing access to healthcare by vulnerable communities

In certain regions of Kenya, such as Nyahururu, Kabarnet, Kasikeu, and Mbooni, inadequate access to healthcare services contributes to avoidable deaths. Organizations like the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) address this challenge by organizing free medical camps, involving both local and international volunteer healthcare workers. This study explored the effectiveness of KMTC's free medical camps through interviews with 18 key informants, including faculty, non-faculty members, and community leaders from purposefully sampled hardship areas, namely, Nyahururu, Kabarnet, Kasikeu, and Mbooni. The study found that KMTC's free clinics offered crucial services like curative care, immunization, maternal and child health services, disease sensitization, reproductive health services, and substance abuse education. However, limitations were identified, including a shortage of medications, lack of specialized screening, follow-up care, and referral services. Resources available included community health volunteers, KMTC and hospital staff, socio-structural support, and physical infrastructure. Challenges faced by volunteers included motivation issues, inadequate facilitation, limited stakeholder involvement in planning, and perceived service comprehensiveness issues. Despite these challenges, the community acknowledged the vital role of medical camps in delivering essential services to marginalized groups. Addressing resource shortages, enhancing stakeholder engagement, improving service comprehensiveness, and boosting volunteer motivation were highlighted as crucial steps to maximize community benefits.