The effect of voluntary work on the spiritual experience of persons with intellectual disability

Abstract

This research focuses on youths with intellectual disability (ID) and their spiritual experience, specifically on how they express the latter when engaging in voluntary work experiences. Based on the premise that youths with ID need to be provided with opportunities and spaces to express their spiritual dignity, this study aims to answer the research question, “How does the voluntary work experience help persons with ID form a spiritual experience?” The study is aimed at helping youths with ID in their spiritual experience and make youth ministers and pastoral leaders aware of the support such youths need to engage in voluntary work. The methodology adopted for this study was initially deductive in nature but later evolved into an inductive approach in order to better grasp the themes and areas which matter most to the participants. The tools used in this study were those of workshops, practical voluntary work and a focus group, all of which were conducted with youths. Additional interviews with youth leaders were also carried out. Findings indicate that the spiritual experiences of the youths with ID take a variety of forms, including connection to a community, engagement in friendships, creativity, selfawareness and spiritual expressions. Results show that when provided with the right support and environment, youths can flourish, despite their limitations. Consequently, this research proposes an inclusive spiritual formation programme for youths with ID, when engaging in voluntary work.