Rethinking Voluntourism: Why Visiting Orphanages While Traveling May Cause More Harm Than Good
Rethinking Voluntourism: Why Visiting Orphanages While Traveling May Cause More Harm Than Good - Good Intentions Aren't Always Enough
Many well-intentioned travelers visit orphanages while overseas, hoping to make a positive impact through volunteering. However, good intentions aren't always enough. In fact, short-term voluntourism often does more harm than good for vulnerable children.
While volunteers may donate money, gifts, or manual labor at orphanages, these acts rarely address the root causes of issues facing institutionalized children. As one blogger who volunteered at a Cambodian orphanage reflects, "We volunteers definitely provided some joy and comfort to the kids, but we also allowed the neglect and abuse to continue."
Without proper training or long-term commitment, volunteers can inadvertently enable unethical practices. For instance, research shows that many orphanages housing western volunteers are not actually housing orphans. Instead, they recruit children from poor families by promising education, food, and housing.
Claire Bennett, who volunteered at a Ugandan orphanage, recalls her unease upon realizing most children weren't actually orphans. She wonders if her presence legitimized an enterprise that pulled kids from families for profit.
Even when acting with the best intentions, untrained volunteers can cause developmental and psychological harm. Young children require stable, consistent relationships for proper attachment and growth. As volunteer Jacob Lagermasini notes, “an ever-changing rotation of volunteers can be distressing for kids.” Short visits prevent the formation of secure bonds.
Of course, the vast majority of volunteers have their hearts in the right place. But unfortunately, good intentions do not negate these adverse impacts. As Annie Chen, a child protection specialist, explains, “Just because people mean well does not excuse them from ensuring their actions aren’t harming kids.”