Voluntourism is the problem

Voluntourism

Voluntourism can be problematic when well-intentioned volunteers engage in short-term, often unskilled activities, leading to potential harm to local communities and perpetuating dependency. They advocate for responsible volunteering practices that prioritize sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and long-term impact for the communities involved.

Synopsis

> A real problem

> Negative outcomes

> Be prepared

> Our solution

A REAL PROBLEM

In the past decade, there has been a significant rise in voluntourism; according to Save the Children every year there are 1.6 million people that go abroad to do volunteer work; it seems a perfect way to combine the luxury of traveling but also feel more connected with a culture and like you are giving back something to the environment you are visiting. However, well-intended volunteering in recent years seems to have had pretty negative outcomes.

NEGATIVE OUTCOMES

Research has shown that voluntourism can have a negative impact.

Orphanage tourism

One of the bigger issues that has surfaced in voluntourism is orphanage tourism. Research of the Better Care Network and their partners has brought this painful truth to light; children that grow up in orphanages often suffer setbacks in their physical and cognitive development and tend to develop a fear of abandonment and issues in their ability to connect with others. The research also showed that up to 80% of children in orphanages aren’t actually orphans and still have a home somewhere. Children are often lured into an orphanage because a full orphanage can make a profit. (Link to more research)

Lack of sustainability

In many voluntourism programs, the projects or initiatives are short-term and may not have a long-lasting impact on the communities they aim to help. Sustainable development requires consistent and ongoing efforts, which are often lacking in voluntourism experiences.In the orphanage tourism example it meant that children weren’t properly cared for or interacted with, in developmental projects for building it meant that they did a poor job in building and locals had to re-do it. In other cases, the clash of cultural norms and values created a dangerous situation for the local people. To get a very personal idea of this, we urge you to watch this video that came out by Vice News, in which a volunteer shares her experience.

Skill Mismatch

Volunteers may lack the necessary skills or qualifications to effectively contribute to the projects they are involved in. For example, untrained volunteers participating in construction projects can result in substandard or unsafe structures.

Lack of cultural understanding

Voluntourism experiences often involve interactions with local communities and cultures. However, volunteers may lack the cultural understanding or sensitivity necessary to engage respectfully. This can lead to misunderstandings, cultural insensitivity, or even unintentional harm to the local community's customs, traditions, and way of life.

White Savior Complex

Some voluntourism programs can perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce the notion of the "white savior complex." This can create a power dynamic that undermines local agency and reinforces dependency.

Disruption of local economies

Voluntourism can have unintended consequences on the local economy. It may lead to the displacement of local workers who could have otherwise been employed in the volunteer roles. Additionally, the influx of volunteers can distort local markets and drive up prices for goods and services, making them less affordable for local residents.

Unrealistic expectations

Voluntourism programs sometimes create unrealistic expectations for both volunteers and the communities they aim to assist. Volunteers may have limited timeframes and expect immediate and significant impact, while the communities may have long-term needs that require sustained efforts beyond the duration of a volunteer's visit. This mismatch in expectations can lead to frustration and disappointment on both sides.

Environmental impact

Voluntourism activities that involve environmental conservation projects can inadvertently harm the environment. Volunteers may lack the necessary knowledge or training to carry out tasks in an eco-friendly manner, leading to unintentional damage to fragile ecosystems or wildlife habitats.

Disruption of local systems

Voluntourism often involves significant financial investments from participants, including program fees and travel expenses. Unfortunately, not all of these resources may reach the local communities in need. Additionally, the focus on attracting volunteers can divert resources away from addressing the root causes of problems. When voluntourism initiatives are not well-coordinated or integrated into existing local systems, they can disrupt the normal functioning of communities. This can include displacing local workers, undermining local businesses, or distorting social dynamics.

Ethical concerns

There have been instances where voluntourism has raised ethical concerns, such as the exploitation of vulnerable populations, especially children, for the sake of creating volunteering opportunities. It is crucial to ensure that the well-being and rights of the local communities are respected. To mitigate these problems, it is important for voluntourism initiatives to prioritize the needs and voices of local communities, engage in long-term sustainable projects, and ensure that volunteers possess relevant skills and knowledge. Ethical considerations, cultural sensitivity, and a focus on empowerment rather than dependency should guide voluntourism endeavors to make a positive and meaningful impact.

WHY WE SAY..

"Do NOT volunteer if you aren't prepared"

Cultural understanding

Volunteers often work in communities with different cultural norms, values, and practices. By preparing themselves, volunteers can gain a better understanding of the local culture, traditions, and etiquette. This knowledge allows volunteers to approach their work with cultural sensitivity, respect local customs, and avoid unintentional offense or misunderstandings.
Effective communication

Preparing for a volunteer experience abroad involves learning basic phrases or the local language, if possible. This can significantly enhance communication with local community members and facilitate meaningful interactions. Effective communication is essential for building trust, establishing relationships, and carrying out volunteer work effectively.
Project-specific skills

Depending on the nature of the volunteer work, specific skills or knowledge may be required. Preparing in advance allows volunteers to acquire or enhance the necessary skills, ensuring they can contribute effectively to the project. For example, medical volunteers may need to refresh their knowledge of basic medical procedures, while teaching volunteers may benefit from understanding different teaching methods or approaches.
Understanding local challenges

Volunteers should familiarize themselves with the social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by the community they will be working in. This understanding helps volunteers to contextualize their work, identify potential areas of impact, and contribute to sustainable solutions that address the real needs of the community.
Safety and well-being

Being prepared includes researching and understanding the local safety and health conditions. Volunteers should educate themselves about any potential risks or health concerns in the destination country, take necessary vaccinations or preventive measures, and know how to access healthcare facilities if needed. This preparation promotes the safety and well-being of volunteers during their stay abroad.
Maximizing impact

By preparing themselves before departure, volunteers can hit the ground running and make a more immediate and meaningful impact. Having a solid foundation of knowledge and skills allows volunteers to be more effective, efficient, and adaptable in their work, ultimately benefiting the local community they are serving.

OUR SOLUTION.

THINK ACADEMY

LEARN LONG TERM

Courses cater to your purpose. Volunteer with children? Receive child-focused training. Backpacking with sustainability in mind? Engage in lessons on sustainable travel. Doing an internship abroad? Learn about the culture. Our materials include educational videos featuring locals, sharing their expertise on their country, culture, and nature. Discover your destination to the fullest!

THINK CHARITY

SHORT TERM IMPACT

Think Charity as a whole is a crowdfunding platform providing knowledge, tools, and financial aid can help address local needs and create a sustainable impact for vulnerable communities abroad. By raising funds at the micro level for these causes, a greater impact can be achieved. The goal of Think Charity is to inspire you, future volunteers, and travelers to initiate their own crowdfunding campaigns and showcase them on the Think Charity platform.

Voluntourism

Synopsis

> A real problem

> Negative outcomes

> Be prepared

> Our solution

A REAL PROBLEM

NEGATIVE OUTCOMES

Orphanage tourism

Lack of sustainability

Skill Mismatch

Lack of cultural understanding

White Savior Complex

Disruption of local economies

Unrealistic expectations

Environmental impact

Disruption of local systems

Ethical concerns

WHY WE SAY..

"Do NOT volunteer if you aren't prepared"

Cultural understanding

Effective communication

Project-specific skills

Understanding local challenges

Safety and well-being

Maximizing impact

OUR SOLUTION.

THINK ACADEMY

LEARN LONG TERM

THINK CHARITY

SHORT TERM IMPACT

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