I. ABSTRACT

This phenomenological study aimed to explore restorative justice through volunteerism:
through the lens of volunteer probation assistants. Moustakas’ Transcendental phenomenology
was employed as the research approach, with five participants selected through purposive
sampling. Face-to-face interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved, and
Moustakas phenomenological research methods were used for data analysis. The findings
revealed themes related to the journey of Volunteer Probation Assistants such that their
voluntary obligations do not interfere with their ability to go about their daily lives. Along the
way, they may encounter tussles, but since they all discovered happiness and fulfillment in
helping, they still stay for how many years. They do not have material benefits or
compensation. However, it became a passion as time went by. After analyzing the respondents’
answers, the researchers deduced that community involvement plays a significant role in
reforming offenders by accepting them despite their mistakes. The first theme, “Experiences
Full of Ups and Downs,” highlighted that most participants had at least one problem behind
their happiness in helping the probationers through volunteering. They usually feel joy,
especially when a client graduates, but they sometimes experience different challenges during
offender reformation. The second theme, “Restorative Justice,” showed that they plant hope
into probationers’ hearts that they can return to being good people through restorative justice.
The importance of information about the program was emphasized in the theme” Publicizing
Volunteerism Program.” Based on the findings, the study recommended launching a series of
information drives to disseminate knowledge about the journey of volunteer probation
assistants and how to be part of it. In addition, the government should have funds for
volunteers’ daily allowances to lessen their financial difficulties.