Voluntourism is a controversial topic focused on the
notion that volunteering in poorer areas may be causing more harm than good. Despite
people’s good intentions, volunteering in orphanages in countries such as
Cambodia, Haiti and Nepal are negatively impacting the children. While many
orphanages are organized by individuals with good intentions, other orphanages
are organized by ‘entrepreneurs’ looking for an opportunity to make profits. Many
of the directors of these orphanages advertise these children to the world in
order to raise funds that do not go to the needs of the children and allow them
to continue their unethical operations.
How did this happen?
Many families living in these poor countries are
encouraged and pressured to give their children up to orphanages with promises
of their children receiving education and medical care. However, in these
orphanages children are treated as commodities and exploited for the benefits
of the orphanage. Under these conditions, many children are beat, starved and
forced to do heavy labour. The flow of volunteers at these institutions incentivizes
families to give up their children under the notion that they will receive better
care compared to living conditions at home. It also allows these orphanages to
continue operating and receiving donations from unsuspecting people in wealthier
countries.
What can volunteers do to avoid these situations?
Despite the good intentions of volunteers, many of them unknowingly cause more harm than good. As a result, it is important to understand the intentions of orphanages and other organizations claiming to help citizens of poorer areas. In order to make a real difference in other countries, volunteers should reflect on the intentions of the organization and if they have the necessary skills to help. Simply wanting to help may not equate to being able to help if you are lacking the necessary resources or abilities that can make a real difference.
Despite the good intentions of volunteers, many of them unknowingly cause more harm than good. As a result, it is important to understand the intentions of orphanages and other organizations claiming to help citizens of poorer areas. In order to make a real difference in other countries, volunteers should reflect on the intentions of the organization and if they have the necessary skills to help. Simply wanting to help may not equate to being able to help if you are lacking the necessary resources or abilities that can make a real difference.
References
Mulheir, G. (2017, Dec 6). Voluntourism Harms,
Not Helps, The World’s Orphanage
Children. Huff
Post. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/
What is Wrong with Orphanage Tourism and
VolunTourism? (2019, April 15). Retrieved
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