Abstract
The study first aims to determine the contribution of none governmental organizations, (NGO’s)
to the overall quality of life of the community and its members. Quality of life is a vague and
difficult concept and students have not yet agreed on the definition of quality of life (Kruger,
Rootenberg, & Ellis, 2013; Massam, 2002; Dissart and Deller; 2000). The question that needs to
be answered is how many of these statements have been translated into sustainable actions? In
its simplest form it describes a person’s satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their life. Well-being
and quality of life usually means the same (Kim, Uysal & Sirgy, 2013) and can be measured from
a multi-material dimension and non-material dimension (Easterlin and Angelescu, 2012; Stiglitz,
Sen & Fitoussi, 2010). Secondly it identifies the socio-demographic variables relative to quality
of life perceptions. Embracing the framework of appreciative inquiry the researchers looks at
how community engagement has continued to strive towards sustainability to be sustained in
communities and then add to the quality of life in a community. There is a focus on the levels of
interest in community engagement, with the intervention of students in a structured academic
programme and what is being done by higher education institutions to sustain that interest.
Theoretically this study contributes to the body of knowledge on the contribution of the School
of Tourism and Hospitality, (STH), working with students over the last years (2014, 2015 and
2016). It is important that the STH develop long-term strategies for the NGO’s that will benefit
the community and its members and so ensure the sustainability of the relationship with the
NGO’s and improve the overall quality of life.