Determinants of Motivation and Commitment of Volunteer Caregivers

The number of children orphaned by AIDS has in Cameroon and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa has resulted in a shift in care giving responsibilities from parents to extended family and community members. Given the difficulties orphans encounter and the inability of the extended family systems and communities to ensure quality care and support for orphans, projects are now being implemented to address these challenges. A key element in most projects is the involvement of trained community-based volunteers as caregivers. While projects have recorded successes with community volunteers, one important challenge faced is high volunteer drop out rated. A survey to investigate the factors that keep volunteers motivated and committed in a CRS-funded OVC project in the Diocese of Kumbo in the North West province of Cameroon served to inform the project's plans to expand to other parts of the country.