Preparing to Volunteer in Disaster Situation : A Study of Volunteers' Experiences in the April 2015 Nepal Earthquake
Kandangwa, Saroj; Gurung, Subash (2016)
Kandangwa, Saroj
Gurung, Subash
Diakonia-ammattikorkeakoulu
2016
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201604013751
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201604013751
Tiivistelmä
Subash Gurung and Saroj Kandangwa. Preparing to Volunteer in Disaster Situation: A Study of Volunteers’ Experiences in the April 2015 Nepal Earthquake. Helsinki, Finland. Spring 2016. 72 pages. Diaconia University of Applied Sciences. Degree Programme in Social Services and Community Development. Bachelor of Social Services.
This research emphasizes the significance of organized volunteering in disaster or emergency situations. It demystifies the consequences of unorganized volunteering and the importance of preparedness before volunteering in disaster situations to increase the work effectiveness. The research identifies the core skills and competencies the volunteers require before stepping up to volunteer in disaster situations. The reflection on the experiences of a group of people that flew from Finland to Nepal in order to volunteer during the April 2015 Nepal earthquake is a major base for the findings of this research.
A qualitative data collection method was applied in this research. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of interviewees. Individual interviews were conducted. The data was transcribed in the form of documentation and audio recordings. Interview questions were mainly focused on experiences and input of the volunteers. Thematic content analysis with deductive approach was employed for evaluation and interpretation of the data.
The findings of this research reveal the importance of preparedness in order to accomplish the volunteering objectives. Unorganized volunteering adds burden to the victims more than helps. Enough research regarding the workplace and its real time situation should be taken into consideration before going to the field. Appropriate logistics should be carried out. Coordination should be efficient in all levels.
In conclusion, volunteers have to be well-prepared in order to confront substantial challenges while volunteering in disaster situations and preparations have to be done prior to volunteering in Nepal. Challenges during volunteering include group forming, work planning, risk calculation, group security and minimizing the comfort. Preparations are needed both in Finland and in Nepal. Preparations in Finland include forming a group, work place selection, resource allocation, work planning and distribution whereas legal proceedings, coordination, self-sustenance, arrangement of relief supplies and delivery arrangements constitute preparations in Nepal.
This research emphasizes the significance of organized volunteering in disaster or emergency situations. It demystifies the consequences of unorganized volunteering and the importance of preparedness before volunteering in disaster situations to increase the work effectiveness. The research identifies the core skills and competencies the volunteers require before stepping up to volunteer in disaster situations. The reflection on the experiences of a group of people that flew from Finland to Nepal in order to volunteer during the April 2015 Nepal earthquake is a major base for the findings of this research.
A qualitative data collection method was applied in this research. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of interviewees. Individual interviews were conducted. The data was transcribed in the form of documentation and audio recordings. Interview questions were mainly focused on experiences and input of the volunteers. Thematic content analysis with deductive approach was employed for evaluation and interpretation of the data.
The findings of this research reveal the importance of preparedness in order to accomplish the volunteering objectives. Unorganized volunteering adds burden to the victims more than helps. Enough research regarding the workplace and its real time situation should be taken into consideration before going to the field. Appropriate logistics should be carried out. Coordination should be efficient in all levels.
In conclusion, volunteers have to be well-prepared in order to confront substantial challenges while volunteering in disaster situations and preparations have to be done prior to volunteering in Nepal. Challenges during volunteering include group forming, work planning, risk calculation, group security and minimizing the comfort. Preparations are needed both in Finland and in Nepal. Preparations in Finland include forming a group, work place selection, resource allocation, work planning and distribution whereas legal proceedings, coordination, self-sustenance, arrangement of relief supplies and delivery arrangements constitute preparations in Nepal.