FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
GNTO

Ethical Volunteering in Orphanages

by Akhil Kalepu

Oct 26, 2014

Cambodian orphans © Morganedavis | Dreamstime

Trends / Voluntourism

Voluntourism has taken off as a travel trend in the last decade, with thousands of people looking to help the communities they visit. Unfortunately there are people who take advantage of the good will of others. In the past few years, there have been revelations that many orphanages in Southeast Asia are scams looking to make a profit. If you are planning on a voluntourism trip, it is important to know how to find a legitimate organization.

 

Be wary of programs that don’t require a long-term stay. Volunteering requires a commitment to make a real impact, and the surge of charitably-minded travelers has led to caretakers effectively renting out their children for tourists to play with for a few days. This has unfortunately led to the present situation where children are commoditized.

 

Orphanages can make a profit through tourists and will increase their supply by paying families to give up their children. In fact, less than half of the orphans in Cambodia have actually lost both parents, though this doesn’t mean that they were bought. In many impoverished countries, parents will send their children to an orphanage hoping they will be properly fed and educated. Check to see whether the organization you want to volunteer for is involved with a family reunification program.

 

If the orphanage in question is openly soliciting tourists, warning bells should be going off. This is especially the case if they don’t request a resume, references or do a background check. Also, be aware if volunteers work directly with the children or support the staff. An ethically-minded organization will not put their children at any risk of danger. While working directly with kids might sound more fulfilling, it can actually be damaging to the children being cared for by a different person every few days, rather than developing emotional bonds with their caretakers.

 

Lastly, payment and donations should be transparent. If they ask for fees, be cautious if they ask for it in advance and do not state how funds are allocated. Some orphanages will ask for bulk-food donations. Food is a great way to help out an organization, but check their legitimacy first, as some corrupt orphanages will resell their donations for a profit.

 

Reading this might have soured your disposition on volunteering overseas, but keep your chin up. There are still thousands of organizations out there who are doing good, and an army of volunteers who support them in an ethical way.

 

#TrazeeTravel

Insta Feed
Hotel
Nov 12, 2024

Exclusive Black Friday, Cyber Monday Travel Offers

Take advantage of Black Friday deals around the world!

Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History

Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.

Cruises
Nov 12, 2024

Holland America Line Unveils Exclusive Sparkling Wine

Holland America Line launched its first-ever, exclusive sparkling wine across its fleet of ships last month. In collaboration with Four Feathers Wine Services, the sparkling wine is made using the Methode Traditionnelle, which is the same technique used for producing Champagne.

Slideshow
Nov 12, 2024

6 Must-See Sites in Osaka, Japan

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are six must-see sites in Osaka, Japan.

Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City

Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.

Cruises
Nov 11, 2024

Royal Caribbean to Open New Perfect Day Location

If you’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean in the past, you may be familiar with the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay experience, an itinerary stop at the cruise line’s private island destination in the Caribbean. Given its success, Royal Caribbean now expands the Perfect Day experience with a new private destination in Mexico.