Cultural, philosophical and legal aspects of volunteering in Kyrgyzstan: Current challenges

Abstract

The relevance of the study of volunteer activity in Kyrgyz society is due to the epistemological need for a comprehensive understanding of this sphere of human activity at the current stage of development of Kyrgyzstan. This is due to the insufficient conceptualisation of this issue in the country's scientific space. This study uses two main theoretical and methodological approaches: axiological and praxeological. The survey method was chosen for the empirical part of the study. The total number of participants in the study was 284. The purpose of the study is to analyse the motivation and features of volunteering in Kyrgyzstan, taking into account historical contexts, current conditions, legal framework, and potential areas of development. Volunteers in Kyrgyzstan actively support educational and cultural projects, focusing on the development of society in these areas. Social projects are less of a priority. The main motivations for volunteers are social responsibility and personal interests, while traditional and religious factors are less important. The professionalisation and standardisation of volunteering is becoming increasingly prominent, given the rational motivations. The main challenges for volunteers and volunteer organisations in the country are lack of funding and resources, difficulties in organising projects, and limited access to professional training for volunteers. Social and legal aid, education, youth support, healthcare and medical care remain priority areas for volunteering in the current environment. Most respondents expressed optimism about the future of volunteering in Kyrgyzstan. They are confident that it will continue to develop and play a more important role in society. Improved funding, stronger cooperation with government agencies by introducing a legal framework for volunteer activities, development of the infrastructure and global cooperation are seen as key factors for effective organisation of volunteer activities and addressing social and legal challenges in the future. The study contains valuable information for government institutions related to volunteering and will be useful for the development of high-quality state policy in this area