• LAUNCH YOUR DREAM
  • BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
  • STARTING OVER MIDLIFE
  • HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM
  • TRAVEL THE WORLD
  • GET HEALTHY & FIT
  • BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
  • BRAVE LIVING
  • WRITE WITH US

8WomenDream

Dream Big Stories

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONNECT
You Are Here Home » TRAVEL THE WORLD » Volunteer Travel Abroad as a Way to Make Your World Travel Dreams a Reality

in TRAVEL THE WORLD

Volunteer Travel Abroad as a Way to Make Your World Travel Dreams a Reality

Last updated on January 22nd, 2019 at 02:09 pm

Volunteer Travel Abroad: Lubasa Childrens Home Zambia

Have you thought about volunteer travel abroad as a way to make your world travel dreams come true?

I have been thinking about the topic since the Ethical Tourism Conference in February, which was organised by the charity, Tourism Concern who advocates for ethical tourism throughout the world. Tourism Concern is famous for their stand on travelers who volunteer at orphanages, as they have been highly critical of this growing trend.

They even launched a petition demanding that tour operators and volunteer organizations stop sending tourists to orphanages.

Their belief is that volunteering in orphanages is fueling a demand for “orphans,” and so driving the unnecessary separation of children from their families.  Also that in most cases volunteering overseas with vulnerable children is inappropriate.

“Whilst we appreciate that many well-meaning volunteers may wish to volunteer at an orphanage our view is that looking after vulnerable children should be undertaken by local, full-time, professional staff and not by short-term volunteers, no matter how skilled or qualified,” says Tourism Concern’s chief executive Mark Watson.

Volunteer Travel Abroad: Natasha at the Lubasa Childrens Home Zambia

Further criticism on this practice has come from Luke Gracie, a manager at Friends International in Cambodia: “These are highly vulnerable kids, irrespective of whether they are actually orphans, and some people see no problem visiting their place of residence, hugging them, taking photos of them, and playing with them,” she said.

“It is literally placing children as a tourist attraction, a commodity that is viewed and enjoyed like a temple, market, or zoo animal.”

When I was travelling in Africa I volunteered for a few days at an orphanage in Zambia.

Was I encouraging the separation of children from their families just so I could have a holiday experience?

Volunteer Travel Abroad: Goalkeepers at the orphanage

The Lubasa Children’s Home in the Zambian town of Livingstone is reached by driving through the crowded suburb of Maramba, past smoking heaps of rubbish.

This is a world away from the tourists partaking in adrenalin-filled activities such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping at the nearby Victoria Falls.

But the orphanage itself seemed like an island of cleanliness and happiness. I met cheerful staff and 20 smiling children. Sister Immanuela gave us a tour of the house and grounds and then we played ludo and card games in the school room.

There was some outrageous cheating going on at snap.

This wasn’t an organized volunteering experience but rather a response to a notice in the Backpacker Lodge where I was staying. This suggested people donate unwanted clothing and a few hours of their time to spend with the kids in the orphanage.

Volunteer Travel Abroad: Mercy Moona at the football

The children seemed to have few expectations beyond getting out and playing football on the hard dirt field. Our matches with Charles and Crispin, Melina, John, Francis and little Mercy Moona were very entertaining and we managed to help the little kids to a victory over the usual star players.

A girl who score three goals danced about in celebration – the embodiment of physical joy. The scoreline didn’t stand in the way of indulging in a penalty shoot out.

Volunteer Travel Abroad: Celebrating a goal

For me it was a way to connect with the real people of Zambia rather than just enjoying the tourist attractions. To get behind the tourism brochures, beyond the temples and markets.

The actual experience was very rewarding: I loved exchanging smiles and laughter with these lovely children.

Volunteer Travel Abroad: Where are we

Yes I have to admit that my travel experience was enhanced. I hope they were genuine orphans and that my unqualified behavior was not inappropriate. I also hope the children didn’t consider themselves to be like zoo animals!

But it has been food for thought.

Ethical Tourism does offer a list of 9 Ethical Volunteering Organizations on their site:

1. Seaver Foundation

2. Reef Doctor

3. Blue Ventures

4. Azafady

5. Quest Overseas

6. Lattitude

7. ICYE

8. Crees

9. Adventure Alternative and Moving Mountains

Natasha von Geldern
See the World!

[fbcomments]

Tell your friends!

Filed Under: TRAVEL THE WORLD

Some of the posts on 8WD contain affiliate links or links to purchase products or programs from 8WD contributors. This means 8WD or the contributor may make a small commission if you make a purchase. The 8WD affiliate links help offset the cost of hosting this website and the contributor links help support the dreams of the contributor. Please check out the 8WD Legal Page for more details.

Thank you for your continued support!

« How To Become A Motivational Speaker
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others for Weight Loss Success »

Check it out

  • LAUNCH YOUR DREAM
  • BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
  • STARTING OVER MIDLIFE
  • HAPPINESS THROUGH ACTIVISM
  • TRAVEL THE WORLD
  • GET HEALTHY & FIT
  • BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE
  • BRAVE LIVING
  • WRITE WITH US


The 8WomenDream Dream Tote Bag

About the 8WomenDream Tote Bag
US – 10oz Cotton
Dimensions (External Dimensions)
• Height – 18″ (45.72cm or 457.2mm)
• Width – 15″ (38.1cm or 381mm)
Handle Dimensions (Internal Dimensions)
• Length – 29″ (73.7cm or 736.6mm)

Recent Dream Stories

  • Winter Solstice Celebrations: What to Do With 1 Minute More?
  • Starting Over as a Single Mom Wasn’t My Big Dream
  • Warning: Big Dream to Be a Motivational Speaker Won’t Always Obey Your Plans
  • Dance to Relieve Stress to Focus on Your Big Dream
  • 6 Tips to Avoid Get Rich Quick Scams as a Public Speaker
  • A Dream to Spread MLK’s Message of Love
  • Best Goal Setting Advice that Actually Works
  • 8 Solstice Traditions for Focusing on Your Big Dream this Year
Catherine Hughes on Dealspotr
Catherine Hughes
@8WomenDream
Let’s collaborate
Powered by Dealspotr

Inspiration

8 WOMEN DREAM | COPYRIGHT All RIGHTS RESERVED © 2023 ·