Orphan Tourism

Orphan tourism is becoming a widespread problem in the developing world targeting unsuspecting volunteers just trying to help. In Cambodia and Guatemala, orphan tourism is a huge problem. Most children living in these orphanages are not actually orphans. The New York Times reports, "Some orphanages operate [more] like opportunistic businesses than charities, intentionally subjecting children to poor conditions in order to entice unsuspecting volunteers to donate money."

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With voluntourist trips being short in nature, it leaves children vulnerable to psychological problems. Children experience an emotional bond with visitors, but are forced to experience a "revolving door" of volunteers.

Dr. Joy Gabrielli, a pediatric psychology researcher, and Dr. Andrea Freidus, a professor of anthropology at UNC Charlotte and researcher on orphan tourism in Malawi, explain the emotional and psychological effects orphan tourism has on the children involved.  

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As you have seen, voluntourism trips typically result in more problems than solutions for host communities. That is why we encourage individuals to #VoluntourNoMore. However, we do feel that people should continue to volunteer abroad as long as they do their research and evaluate potential sending organizations with a critical eye.