Analysis of volunteer infrastructure and its role in Kyrgyzstan

The aim of the study is to analyze the role of volunteering in peacebuilding during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-election conflict (events of October 2020) in Kyrgyzstan. The research was conducted across the entire territory of Kyrgyzstan.

One of the unique studies, the results of which showed that the population of our country becomes more active during crisis situations, but during peacetime civic engagement declines. The types of volunteer movements in this study were categorized into formal, informal, and individual (“neighborly assistance”) volunteering. The analysis also revealed that the profile of volunteers has changed: whereas previously they were predominantly represented by schoolchildren and students, during crisis periods, there was increased involvement in volunteering by adults aged 20-45 from various professions and social statuses.

The study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as mapping of all volunteer movements in Kyrgyzstan. In total, over 150 individuals with volunteering experience participated in the study.

This study was conducted as part of the International Alert project “Ынтымактуу Жашоо – Жить в мире” (Living in Peace). You can find more detailed results of the study at the following link.