Volunteer work performed in the Global South has the power to deliver impactful social and environmental programmes. But, when considering a stint of “voluntourism” – an emerging phenomenon among privileged travelers – the effectiveness of, and motivations behind, such jaunts overseas must be examined in-depth in order to avoid the trap of moral imperialism, the idea that wealthier and better educated individuals can, and should, travel to unfamiliar cultures and countries and “change things for the better.”
Together with Alexandra Plummer, a development expert who just relocated back to Europe from Asia after working in international development for the last seven years, we explore the best way to have a truly fulfilling and impactful voluntouring experience.
So if you're hoping to combine a bit of adventure with a bout of “feel-good-ism”, here are 4 questions you should ask first to ensure that your experience is truly impactful for the community you are trying to help:
1. “How many pencils does it take to build a classroom?”
Donating tangible goods is always an appealing charitable option, and it is indeed a necessity, especially in the case of ecological or other emergencies. For instance, in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the detrimental effects of annual flooding make last minute donations of food items, mosquito nets, and medicine crucial for the social stability of the community. Really listen to the organisation’s needs – they know best. Sometimes, it may be a less sexy item – like supporting someone’s salary, or a training project – that leads to a more sustainable outcome.
2. “ Does my butt look big in this?" - Only kidding – don’t ever ask that.
However, do ask yourself if you should be giving away your “too small for me now, anyway” jeans, and other unwanted items, to that “poor looking” village; do it wisely. A developing country is not your wasteland for unwanted items, no matter how strong a “feel good buzz” this form of charity provides. Some charities are really in need of these items – just drop them a line before you depart, and ask them what they need. Once you have arrived, don’t take it upon yourself to distribute items in a village – this can result in a culture of dependency and trap communities in the cycle of poverty.
3. “How can I ask the right questions?”
If you have a comprehensive understanding of the problems a particular community is facing, and believe your distinct skill set will not only provide helpful short-term support but also facilitate the continued development of long-term solutions for that region, you may decide that it is indeed a good idea to pursue voluntourism. In order to choose a programme that is not only personally fulfilling, but also culturally sensitive and actually beneficial to the developing community it aims to support, it is crucial to ask the tour companies you are considering about their relationship with their NGO partners.
4. “Can I really make a difference?”
You must choose a group that allows you to learn about development or environmental issues and spurs you to action – if your interest in a situation or issue is piqued by your experience, then you may be inspired to spend the rest of your year, or your life, trying to effect change. Development work is no walk in the park – it is difficult, time-consuming, and often emotionally jarring. But, we must also recognise that voluntourism is more often than not more beneficial for the volunteer than the community or individuals they are hoping to help. It is entirely acceptable, and probably preferable, to choose a tour company that acknowledges this fact, over one sells the trip as “life-changing” for the community you are visiting. Ultimately, the people we are visiting abroad may very well have more to teach us than we have to teach them.
By Alexandra Plummer, originally published July 21, 2015
Find Responsible Opportunities Abroad
Looking for truly responsible volunteering opportunities abroad? Here are a couple of examples of organisations running ethical projects which strive to ensure their impact on local communities and ecosytems is positive.