Voluntourism, a term that combines travel and volunteering, has become increasingly popular among young adults seeking meaningful experiences and a sense of purpose.
Orphanages have become a popular destination for voluntourism, with many organizations offering volunteer opportunities for people to work with vulnerable children in developing countries.
While helping children in need may seem noble, there is a growing discussion about the ethics of voluntourism at orphanages. Let’s explore its business side, the impact on volunteers and children, and the importance of responsible travel.
First and foremost, we need to recognize that orphanages should not be treated as tourist attractions or destinations. The practice of voluntourism at orphanages has been criticized for perpetuating the cycle of institutionalization by creating a demand for children in these facilities instead of with families.
It has resulted in the exploitation of children for the benefit of tourism and harm caused by volunteers who come and go. While people may have good intentions, the orphanage tourism industry has become a profitable business, with some organizations charging high fees to work with children.
These fees can range anywhere from $200 to $1500 per week, creating a market of volunteers hoping to find fulfillment while simultaneously experiencing exotic locations.
Children in orphanages are some of the most vulnerable members of society, and it’s important to remember that their care should always be prioritized above the interests of someone’s personal satisfaction.
Volunteers may lack the proper training or expertise in childcare, and the high turnover rate of volunteers can result in attachment issues and emotional trauma for children. The presence of volunteers may also exacerbate existing problems with institutionalized care, creating a cycle of dependency that can inhibit the chances of finding long-term solutions such as foster care or adoption.
The ethics of voluntourism are further complicated by the prevalence of fraudulent orphanages and exploitation of children for profit. Many “orphanages” in developing countries are not actual orphanages but businesses run by traffickers or profiteers who prey on the vulnerability of children and tourists.
These “orphanages” often function as a front for child trafficking and abuse, and volunteers who choose to work with them may unknowingly contribute to the harm to children. It’s essential to thoroughly research organizations before volunteering and choose those who have proper licensing, and responsible practices.
While it’s important to understand the harms of voluntourism, there is still significant value in volunteering and promoting ethical practices (with responsible establishments). Instead of working directly with children, people can work towards systemic change by dedicating their time, talent, or treasure to improving child welfare and supporting family preservation.
Volunteers can play a role in educating their communities about the harms of offensive volunteering and encourage ethical travel practices. Sustainable tourism should begin with understanding and respecting local cultures and their values rather than creating narratives around what tourists want to see or experience.
There are positive outcomes to voluntourism when practiced responsibly and thoughtfully, but we must take a critical look at the ethics of orphanages.
We need to recognize that orphanages are not tourist attractions or destinations and prioritize the best interests of vulnerable children above everything else.
Travelers need to be aware of the demand they create and the unethical practices that incentivize orphanage tourism. In choosing to volunteer overseas, we must put the principles of responsible tourism at the forefront and critically evaluate the impact we might have.
By doing so, we can make valid contributions to the sustainable development of the communities we visit and not perpetuate the problems.
