Motivation and volunteer work effects with primary school students volunteers

Volunteering is becoming increasingly sought after and desirable among young and older people. In terms of quantity, older volunteers are prevailing and the number of younger ones is the smallest. In the beginning, the Master’s thesis defines volunteering, namely its types and development in Slovenia. In continuation it presents statistical data about volunteering in Slovenia for the years 2015 and 2016. It also briefly presents the Volunteering Act. The theoretical part mostly stresses out volunteering in education. Since volunteering is beneficial for the one, who receives, as well as the one, who gives, the thesis also defines the effects of volunteering on volunteers. These effects can be new knowledge and skills as well as personal growth. Before people can become volunteers, they need to be motivated for it, therefore the thesis also describes general motivation and particularly motivation for volunteering. The octagonal model of motivation of volunteers is also presented. The thesis also presents some domestic and foreign researches concerning the motivation of volunteers and some effects of volunteering on volunteers. The purpose of the Master’s thesis is to analyse the meaning of volunteering for primary school pupils and research motivation and the effects of volunteering on primary school volunteers, particularly due to the fact that the stated domestic and foreign researches did mostly not include children under 16 years of age. The research included 31 primary school pupils, aged 11-15 years, who have been volunteering at least one year. The pupils filled out a questionnaire and assessed statements with the help of a 6-level scale (Likert). Although such a small sample does not enable generalization, the results imply no greater differences between primary school children and older volunteers regarding motivation and the effects of volunteering. Due to volunteering, pupils become more responsible and pleased with themselves, gain new knowledge and generally contribute to their personal growth. The majority of pupils are internally motivated for volunteering