Exploring South–North Volunteering:
Research Insights from Ghent University 

In a Master’s thesis in Social Work at Ghent University, researcher Fatima Allali examines the dynamics, barriers, and transformative potential of South–North volunteering. The qualitative study—Tussen Solidariteit en Ongelijkheid: Structurele en Symbolische Uitsluiting in Zuid-Noord Vrijwilligerswerk—investigates how volunteers and partner organizations from the Global South navigate international exchange programs. 

Key Findings from the Thesis

• The Dual Reality of Exchange: South–North volunteering offers profound personal growth, intercultural learning, and opportunities for agency, yet participants simultaneously face persistent structural and symbolic barriers.

• Structural Barriers: Access to programs remains heavily gated by existing institutional networks. Furthermore, participants encounter significant administrative obstacles, including complex visa requirements, financial constraints, and unequal pre-departure preparations compared to North–South volunteers.

• Symbolic Challenges: Global South volunteers often encounter epistemic injustice—a phenomenon where expertise, motivations, and credibility face heightened scrutiny. Prevalent stereotypes and rigid language requirements frequently hinder full participation and recognition in host contexts.

• Challenging Power Dynamics: Despite these systemic challenges, volunteers actively position themselves as knowledge providers rather than passive aid recipients, establishing horizontal solidarity networks and demonstrating the vital necessity of truly reciprocal global partnerships.

Inquiries & Research Context

Fatima Allali conducted this research under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ine Lietaert at Ghent University (Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences). The study draws upon semi-structured interviews with 16 volunteers from the Global South and 5 organizational representatives—including partners such as ICYE Indonesia, Volunteer Spirit Association (VSA Thailand), Grenzenlos Austria, and UEM Germany.

For further details regarding the research methodology or findings, contact Fatima Allali via Ghent University's Department of Social Work.