The aim of the project is to raise public awareness of the importance and value of participation in volunteer programs, contributions to the community, but also opportunities for personal and professional development that  are offered through volunteering. The main goal is to raise awareness among employers about the importance of recognizing and evaluating the voluntary engagement and competencies acquired through volunteering in order to ease facilitation of volunteers into the labour market. The project aims to encourage wider network of relevant stakeholders, particularly members of the local employment partnerships and the media, to actively promote and participate in the development of volunteer’s programs and strategies aspired at strengthening motivation of employers to recognize volunteerism and involvement of volunteers into the labour market.

Within the project activities, the ILC conducted a study on the evaluation of the voluntary engagement and the impact of volunteering on the competition  at the labour market. 300 young people and 50 decision makers from the area of Brod-Posavina County participated in the survey.  After analysis of conducted survey among the youth and employers, ILC held focus groups for the youth (July 07) and focus groups for the decision-makers (July 17).

The focus groups’ objective was to comment the research carried out in the cooperation with the participants, and to draw joint conclusion and recommendations for further development of volunteerism with the special emphasis on boosting the importance of volunteering to increased competition  at the labour market.

Research findings indicate that some participants (the youth and decision-makers) do not understand the difference between volunteering, family and neighbourly assistance and measures for  stimulated employment. One of the conclusions of this study indicates that the majority of young people have never heard of the certificate of competency which could be gained through volunteering. However, almost all of the respondents believe that the certificate may assist in getting a job. Most of the employers said that they would hire a person based on the issued Certificate of Competency.

At the end participants of the focus group concluded that the volunteering in our county is still in its beginning, and further promotion of volunteerism and volunteer engagement is needed. Also, it is necessary to build up volunteer programs and strategies aimed at strengthening the motivation of employers to recognize volunteerism and involvement of volunteers in the labour market.