Voluntary service is societal service provided by people without seeking or acquiring any benefit. Such kind of service developed from individual to national level at different stage. At the moment, it is amazing that peasants’ keen interest in transforming the degraded land to rehabilitation for development through devoting 30 days or more of their time in voluntary activities. On the other hand its worth mentioning and exemplary activity that about 7 million member of Oromia Development Association (ODA) have made their own initiation in voluntary activities.

Voluntary service and its objective 

Voluntary service is purely a humanitarian activity emanates from within being inspired by oneself without any extrinsic motivation. As voluntary service is self- initiated commitment without any pressure from outside, a significant result is obtained within a short period of time. This in turn on the one hand brings benefits to the people or community that receives the services and on the other hand creates strong bondage among the community. Hence, it is ultimate for it promotes living for others. 

The Oromia Development Association voluntary service model 

The Oromia Development Association has been conducting development activities that weren’t attended by government, with the contribution of its members both in cash and in kind since its establishment in 1985.

The need for transforming ODA voluntary service into permanent system

As voluntary service is key weapon enabling us to exhaustively use the development capacity of our region and build generation thereof, it is found to be quite useful if this implemented in a complete manner. Thus it is found important to transform the ODA voluntary services into permanent system so that the service could reach the height required to benefit our people. 

The Oromo culture of building generation 

The generation building activities the ancient Oromo reflects a voluntary service in it; it is magnificent culture where helping of one another and support provision at any event or situation is predominant.          

Social and economic benefits of voluntary service 

Oromia Development Association, especially the fact that the farmer dedicates a month in a one year time to take care for the environment has been reflected the fact that voluntary service brings advantage to social and economic activities.