Elevate: Establishing a Volunteer Management Programme for Uplifting Vulnerable and Economically Disadvantaged Students in India

Shahnaz Rehman, a counsellor by training, headed the Student Wellness Centre at Woxsen University in Hyderabad, India, where she focused on supporting student wellbeing. In 2022, she was tasked with leading a new social welfare initiative jointly launched by Woxsen University and Monmouth University (USA) for children living in nearby villages.

Named the “Woxsen–Monmouth Elevate Program,” the six‑month initiative was designed as a bottom‑up effort led by Rehman. Every Sunday, volunteer undergraduate and postgraduate students taught English, mathematics, as well as computer and life skills to children aged four to 18. Unlike most academic collaborations, student volunteers received no credits and the programme did not contribute to their academic requirements.

The Elevate Program faced hurdles from the start. With COVID‑19 still spreading, parents were hesitant to enrol their children, fearing health risks and medical costs—particularly families living up to 21 km away in rural areas. Rehman and her team worked hard to reassure parents about safety measures, eventually securing more than 300 registrations.

However, sustaining attendance proved difficult. The first week saw very low turnout, prompting the team to arrange university transport from designated pick‑up points. Volunteer engagement soon became another challenge. After initial enthusiasm, attendance and participation declined, with some volunteers disengaging or missing sessions altogether. Many said Sunday was their only day to rest.

With the Elevate Program unable to be postponed and five more months to go, Rehman faced a tough road ahead. Managing limited manpower and waning volunteer motivation, she had to make difficult decisions to keep the programme running.

This case can be used to discuss the challenges of leading and managing volunteers. The issues include volunteer recruitment and screening strategy, volunteer role design, leadership, volunteer recognition, and retention. Instructors can use this case in undergraduate and postgraduate management courses to discuss volunteer management. In executive-level classes, social service agencies and non-profit organisation practitioners would find this case highly relevant to their work.

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