A Different Kind of Impact: Why I Say No to Volunteering with Children?
As the founder of Professionals doing good (Pdg), I’ve always been committed to empowering local communities by fostering ethical partnerships and providing expert knowledge.
While many well-intentioned travelers seek to volunteer with children in developing countries, I’ve chosen a different path. I’ve turned down numerous requests for child-focused volunteer work. Instead, I focus on empowering local organizations by connecting them with skilled volunteers who can share their expertise.
The Ethical Dilemma
I’ve witnessed firsthand the well-intentioned yet often harmful practices of volunteer tourism. The desire to “help” can inadvertently exploit vulnerable children, turning them into objects of pity or entertainment. This approach not only undermines their dignity but also perpetuates a cycle of dependency and hinders long-term solutions.
I remember revolving doors of people teaching English at primary schools, often for a few days, often having as the only skills the knowledge of English and the heart in the right place. They never went ahead in the first three chapters. Would it not have been better to have these people dedicate time to conversation with local school teachers, so they could practice their English and improve pronunciation? Benefits for the volunteer would be to work for children, not necessarily with them, and have their impact multiplied by teaching a teacher.
A Call for Change
Rather than encouraging unqualified volunteer experiences, I prioritize empowering local organizations with the skills and knowledge they need to create sustainable change. By sharing expertise in technology, business, and education, I enable these organizations to become more self-sufficient and effective.
While this approach may be less glamorous and less “Instagrammable” than working directly with children, it is undoubtedly more ethical, sustainable, and ultimately more impactful. It’s about teaching people how to fish, rather than simply giving them a fish.
Think Before Volunteering with Children
I remain steadfast in my commitment to ethical volunteering. I’m proud to stand alongside the Child Safe Movement and their campaign, “Children Are Not Tourist Attractions.” This powerful campaign, launched with UNICEF’s support in 2011, highlights the dangers of child exploitation.
Their message is clear: think before volunteering with children.
Two of the campaign’s key recommendations resonate deeply with my philosophy:
- Think! Children Are Not Tourist Attractions – Treat Them with Respect. Children deserve to be treated as individuals, not as exotic curiosities. Avoid activities like visiting orphanages, taking photos of strangers’ children, or disrupting education.
- Think! Volunteering with Children Feels Good, But Look for Better Ways to Help. Working with children requires local expertise, not short-term travelers. Focus on sharing your professional skills with local staff instead of working directly with children.
A Better Way to Help
Support skilled-based volunteering. Local organizations need skilled professionals to help them build capacity and improve their services. By sharing your expertise, you can make a real and lasting impact. By sharing your professional skills with local organizations, you can contribute to sustainable development and empower communities.
Take action!
If you still want to volunteer in Cambodia, become a skilled-based volunteer by sharing your professional skills with the local staff of selected ethical grassroots organizations. We at Pdg can help you find opportunities!
Remember, this approach is not just applicable to Cambodia but can be a rule of thumb for responsible volunteering anywhere in the world.
