Exploring the Personal and Community-Driven Motivations Behind Volunteering in Literacy Education Programs in Mchinji District, Malawi

This study explores the personal and community-driven motivations behind volunteering in literacy education programs in Mchinji District, Malawi. Through qualitative interviews with literacy volunteers, the research identifies a diverse range of factors that inspire individuals to contribute their time and skills to adult literacy programs. Personal motivations include a desire for self-fulfillment, the opportunity to gain new skills, and the satisfaction of making a positive difference in others’ lives. Volunteers often cite a deep sense of responsibility toward their community, with many viewing literacy as a key to social and economic empowerment. Community-driven motivations, on the other hand, are influenced by the belief that improving literacy rates can foster broader community development and reduce poverty. Furthermore, local cultural norms and communal values play a significant role in shaping volunteer behavior, with many volunteers drawn by the opportunity to uphold traditions of mutual support and collective well-being. The findings suggest that both personal aspirations and a commitment to community advancement is integral to motivating volunteers, and that these motivations are often intertwined.