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Why Voluntourism is Often Hollow
Volunteer travel or voluntourism is often billed as a way to do good and learn about other cultures. It’s framed as unique opportunities…but voluntourism in general has its problems. Here’s why a lot of people think it should stop.
It’s Patronizing
Yeah, bluntly? It’s patronizing. You come in as an outsider assuming you or your guide know what these people need. Sure, it might seem great to give an orphan child a hug, but what that child needs is a home.
You Don’t Have the Skills
The vast majority of volunteer tourists don’t actually have any kind of relevant skills. This means that the projects they’re doing are things like basic construction, painting, handing out sandwiches.
These are things people can do for themselves. They don’t need some wealthy American student to come in and do it for them.
You Aren’t Going to Stay
That child you befriended? What happens to them when you leave; most likely they’ll be crying. Again, because this keeps happening over and over again. It’s not good for kids and it’s not even good for…