Volunteer tourism, also known as “voluntourism,” has become an increasingly popular trend in recent years. It involves combining travel with volunteering, often in developing countries. While the idea of doing good while exploring a new place may seem like a win-win situation, there are several reasons why volunteer tourism can be problematic.
False Sense of Helping
One of the main issues with volunteer tourism is that it can give participants a false sense of helping. Many programs are poorly structured and lack proper training and resources for volunteers. As a result, the work done by volunteers may actually end up being more harmful than helpful to the community they are trying to assist.
Unskilled Labor
Another problem is that volunteer tourists are often unskilled laborers. They may lack the necessary expertise or qualifications to carry out certain tasks effectively or safely. For example, building houses or schools without proper training can result in poorly constructed buildings that put future occupants at risk.
Dependency on Volunteers
Volunteer tourism can also create a dependency on volunteers in the communities they visit. By relying on outsiders to do work that could be done by locals, volunteer programs can unintentionally discourage job creation and economic development.
Commercialization of Poverty
In addition, some critics argue that volunteer tourism perpetuates the commercialization of poverty. In many cases, companies profit from sending volunteers abroad without providing any real benefit to local communities. This can lead to a form of poverty tourism where tourists visit developing countries solely for their own personal gain rather than with a genuine desire to help others.
The Solution?
While there are certainly ethical concerns associated with volunteer tourism, it’s important not to dismiss it entirely. Instead, we should focus on promoting responsible volunteering practices that prioritize community needs over those of volunteers or companies looking to profit off them.
- Choose a program that is well established and has a proven track record of positive impact on the community.
- Ensure that the program provides adequate training and support for volunteers, as well as appropriate safety measures.
- Consider volunteering locally or domestically instead of abroad, where you may have a more direct impact on your own community.
- Avoid programs that involve orphanage tourism or any interaction with vulnerable populations in ways that may be detrimental to their wellbeing
The Bottom Line
While volunteer tourism can seem like an attractive way to see the world while doing good, it’s important to approach it with caution. By being mindful of the potential negative consequences and taking steps to ensure responsible volunteering practices, we can work towards creating a more ethical and impactful form of travel.