So you love kids huh? And you’re planning a trip to Cambodia or some other developing nation? Then you better go visit an orphanage while you are on holiday.
Ummm, no. Stop right there. Let’s sit down and think about this.
First, I’ll share an experience we had. It was in Vietnam some years ago where we were unexpectedly taken to an “orphanage”. It was a bizarre and uncomfortable experience and we walked away feeling a bit icky.
We weren’t told why we were taken there and we didn’t know what to do once we got there. Someone, presumably official, greeted us and led us into a room full of tiny people and left us. Little hands grabbed our clothes and skinny arms wrapped around our legs and clung on. We attempted to play with them and they squealed with delight. A western man sat on the floor leaning against one wall. He was holding a young child and made no motion to talk to us. In fact, he barely acknowledged us or the children. It was weird. We had no idea what to do, no-one was there to answer questions and no-one appeared to be supervising the children. We high-tailed it out of there, baffled and uncomfortable, our skin crawling slightly, alarm bells ringing.
Why were we taken there? We assume first, because it seems to be trendy for westerners to randomly visit an orphanage, so our tour guides thought we’d want to visit. And second, because it is a money-spinner. Yes, people understand you have a bleeding heart and want to help, so you are going to dig deep and hand over money. We didn’t. And in hindsight I’m glad we didn’t.
That was before we knew about all the scams, some of the shocking conditions and that often there are no benefits for the children. Many of these “orphanages” are child factories, putting children on display to satisfy tourists looking to do good. Harsh, but true.
So let’s examine why you want to do this, and more importantly, what benefits it will have for the children. Obviously you want to help. Children have no families, they are poor, orphanages are under-resourced and you want to contribute. You also love children, and if you are going to hand over some money you want to meet the children, laugh and play with them, have an “experience”. It feels good.
But would you do this in your home country? If you love kids, do you just rock up to your neighbourhood kindergarten and play with the kids, take along some food and a heap of lollies – because kids love lollies – and perhaps some educational resources or books? Probably not. Why? Because most western countries have strict guidelines about who can and cannot visit a school, kindergarten or child care centre. Children are seen as precious, vulnerable and need to be protected. And you want that for your kids, your nieces, nephews or grandchildren, right? You want them to be safe and you want them to focus on learning and you want to know what they are eating.
Here’s why you shouldn’t visit a Cambodian orphanage (or for that matter orphanages in many developing countries).
1. Many are not genuine orphanages.
I know, most of us don’t consider that – we didn’t on our trip to Vietnam. But many shonky organisations are set up with the aim of reeling in the tourists and the dollars they bring. Many of the children aren’t orphans, they are local village kids there for the day, or their parents have handed them over to the organisation thinking they are providing a better life for them. Some have been trafficked. When money is not coming in they are forced out onto the streets to beg. I’ve spoken to people who say many of the kids who grow up in these “children’s factories” are spat out at the end with little education, no support and no future. It is very sad.
2. It puts the children at risk.
Yep, if you can just wander in, imagine who else can wander in. Sadly, children in Cambodia, and many developing Asian countries, are incredibly vulnerable. Asia is a common-ground for predators and sadly, paedophiles are rife. I know you are not a paedophile. You love children and would never harm them. But there are dangerous people out there who will say the same thing.
3. Children genuinely in “orphanages” or children’s homes may have complex emotional issues.
Some of the children in care have come from incredibly traumatic backgrounds. Many are considered to be children at risk. They may have been street beggars, some might have been abused, many are from very poor families. Well-run organisations try and provide these children with counselling and stability, a loving environment, nutritional food, a solid education and the resources to be responsible adults able to make a living and a contribution to society.
Strangers randomly walking in and out is unsettling and disruptive. Children should never be the equivalent of a circus attraction. Short-term emotional bonds formed when people drop in for a day and are gone the next don’t provide a stable environment and can add to existing abandonment issues some children might have. And arriving loaded with gifts, treats and lollies skews their perceptions and expectations of westerners and is not a practical approach to good nutrition.
4. Many attend school and have classes or study on the grounds.
People wandering in to visit can disrupt classes or study time, upset routines and generally disrupt learning.
5. This is a private home.
It’s not your average home, but it is none-the-less home to these children. How would you like a bunch of visitors – strangers – knocking on your front door all day, wanting to look through your home, check out your kitchen and your living arrangements, poke your head into the bedrooms?
So, just how is your visit benefiting these children?
Don’t despair – you can still help
Don’t worry, there are plenty of great organisations doing fantastic work to help provide kids with a safe and nurturing home, an education and an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and get ahead. And they do need your help. So here’s some tips for you:
1. Research
Don’t randomly rock up to an “orphanage”. Do your research first. Check out their website, find out who they are and what their values are. Get in touch via email. Ask a few pertinent questions. Make sure they are not just after your money.
2. Are the children protected?
Most reputable organisations will have some strict security policies in place. They won’t allow access to the children unless you are an approved volunteer (many require volunteer stays of at least a week and some require longer commitments). Often they will require you to have a police check. Visitors to the centre will often have to sign in and out.
3. Check the wishlist
Many of these organisations have a wish list. It is often published on their website. You will find many ways you can contribute that are productive and helpful. Some may surprise you. Lollies and sugar-laden treats are rarely appreciated. Many of these children got off to a poor start in life and they need nutritional food and a balanced diet. Things like shampoo, soap, washing detergent, toothbrushes, school bags, stationery and office supplies might not sound cool but are vital to the running of the organisation and are often welcomed. You can make a huge difference to the lives and the futures of these children without visiting them and playing with them.
4. Volunteer
If you do want to interact and get to know the locals, there are plenty of options for volunteering in a responsible way. Before you dive in, make sure your volunteer role is not taking the job, and therefore the income, of someone from the community who could be fulfilling that role. If you have specialist skills, let an organisation know and they might be able to utilise them. And don’t enforce your ideas and your way of doing things on people who are there every day. What works in your country might not work in a developing country.
5. Provide vital community resources
In many poor areas a lack of access to safe drinking water, toilets, health and nutrition can impact on the quality of life of children and their families. Some of life’s very basic necessities can help improve health and might also mean they will start going to school. You could consider providing vital resources like a well or water filters, toilets, hygiene products like soap and toothbrushes or even bicycles to give families mobility.
It’s great you want to help
It’s not bad to want to help. It’s not wrong that you want to make the lives of children better. There are plenty of children and families genuinely in need. And there are many organisations that need your help. But do your research to make sure you have found genuine organisations and think about how much a physical visit will actually benefit the children or whether there are more pro-active ways you can help through providing resources.
For more information on child safety, positive volunteering and organisations you can help in Cambodia, pay a visit to ConCERT. This organisation is a wealth of information if you are looking to volunteer.
And a few reputable organisations in Cambodia you might like to look up:
Here’s a few interesting articles on the rise of voluntourism and the impacts on children if you would like to read more:
Child rescue or child protection?
Sandra says
Thank you for this post. Somebody had to say it. It’s a shame we live in a world where people will misuse and abuse children for the sake of dollars. You’ve provided some really solid tips and advice here. I had a similar experience in India and although it wasn’t an orphanage, we were thrust into a local school. It made me wonder about the protection of the children from random strangers.
Sam Walker says
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for stopping by and reading this. It is tragic that children are so vulnerable.
I don’t think you are alone in your experience in India, it seems to be a problem across the developing world and safety for children is just as much an issue in schools as it is in “orphanages”. It is interesting that we seem to accept these practices in developing countries but would be horrified if they happened in our own countries.
I’m glad you found this insightful. Despite all the negatives, volunteers are still needed and there are so many positive ways they can make an impact.
Lou says
Great post Sam, really informative.
Sam Walker says
Thanks Lou. Glad you found it useful.
Hill family says
I agree with every word! I’d like to add to your list of reputable charities doing marvellous work for children – SOS Children’s Villages. We have sponsored a child for the last 18 years and visited her when she was 7, so saw for ourselves her ‘village”, met her house mother and her ‘brothers and sisters’. It’s a truly remarkable organisation.
Sam Walker says
Thanks Hill Family. Great to hear of other awesome organisations. Where abouts is SOS Children’s Villages?
Val Hill says
SOS is based in Switzerland but has office branches in different countries, including the UK. Our child, well she’s grown up almost now!, lives in Lithuania. When we came home from our visit to her we were saying how wonderful the ‘village’ was there, so my sister started to sponsor a child, this time in Moscow. There are different villages all over the world and most continents. As my grandfather came from Lithuania, I decided to choose that country. Our Lithuanian ‘daughter’ represents her country at diving, and is now at University in Vilnius. We’re very proud of her!
Sam Walker says
Hi Val! I didn’t register your email address in your previous comment and didn’t realise it was you. What a great contribution you have made to improving someone’s life. I’ll have to look into SOS and see if they operate here.
Hill family says
I looked up SOS in Cambodia and there’s five – including one in Angkor-Siem Reap, which is where you are, I think.
Sam Walker says
Yes, that’s where we are. Will have to look into them. Thanks for the info.
Hill family says
I did answer you but it keeps saying its awaiting moderation. Might that be because i put Val Hill instead of Hill family?
Sam Walker says
Yes, it was because you used a different email address. It registered you as a new commenter.
Gaynor says
Very interesting Sam, has made me think a lot about what must go on. Very sad that children are in such a vulnerable position. Will take a lot of this on board when traveling in future.
Sam Walker says
Thanks Gaynor. Great to hear it has been informative for you. Hopefully the more people who know and understand what is happening, the more hope there is of bringing an end to the shonky operators and creating a better life for these children.
Bronnie - Maid In Australia says
I read a similar post recently, also written by a journalist friend I admire. It’s so sad that it has come to this but it certainly has to be pointed out that these visits do more harm than good. And I’m glad that you have shared ways that people CAN make a difference. x
Kira says
Sam, this is such an important post. I sincerely hope it goes viral. I am a strong advocate against animal tourism and have managed to convince most of my friends and family not to participate in the practice. I had not considered orphanage scams. I wonder how many unsuspecting people fall for this practice and perpetuate the problem?
Sam Walker says
Thanks Kira. It’s interesting, I love animals and have on occasion been drawn to tourism activities involving animals but the more I read, the less inclined I am to do these things. One place we went to where you could pat tigers was advertised as a rescue facility and breeding program. But really, in hindsight, I think they were just drugged. So sad to see such amazing creatures that way.
And I think there are many people who fall for the orphanage scams, because like most of us, we just hadn’t considered that this is something that would take place.
June Peach says
Hi Sam, This story is very interesting, proving that we live in a terrible world. Children are so vulnerable. How can we trust anyone involved in the world of charities? June
Sam Walker says
Hi June,
Hmmm, I think it is a bit pessimistic to say we live in a terrible world. We have encountered so many amazing people, doing fantastic things for a variety of NGOs trying to improve living conditions and create opportunities for the future. Unfortunately, there are still terrible people around, which means we should be doing everything we can to help ensure children and other vulnerable people are not taken advantage of. From a tourist’s perspective, that means not randomly visiting orphanages and taking part in practices that put children at risk. Many people are simply unaware that these practices take place and don’t realise they are perpetuating the problem. But I believe most people have the best intentions and genuinely want to help.
Lindsey @ Butter & Type says
Thank you so much for sharing this post! When I read the book, “A Path Appears”, it opened my eyes to this world of service/volunteer travel. I’m so glad that you’re sharing this information to help other travelers contribute to communities effectively. 🙂 Lovely blog!
Sam Walker says
Thanks for stopping by Lindsey! I’m glad you found the post useful. Voluntourism is becoming a huge industry but there are so many pitfalls for those unaware. And so many benefits for those who do their research and get it right.
Becky Hellwig says
Wow, very moving! Great topic. What a great resource you provided for those wanting to help. Also, I wonder what about children in my area that would love a “Big Brother/Sister”. It doesn’t have to be across the ocean to help!
Sam Walker says
Hi Becky. Thanks for visiting, reading and for the feedback. Yes, there are programs everywhere that enable people to help out. It’s just a matter of doing a little research to ensure it is the best fit for you.
tots2travel says
Will share this. Powerful post. I had the same queries about slum tours in India but this takes things to a new level.
Sam Walker says
Hi Tots2Travel. Thanks so much for stopping by and for sharing. I hadn’t heard about slum tours in India. I get that people want to see a different way of life but doing a tour of a slum is kind of weird.
Amarylis says
YES! Yes! I can not agree more. It seems to be diffiult to explain to some, and your article does it very well. I allways have trouble explaining myself, and I most of the time end up mumbling some swearwords out of frustration. Next time the discussion comes up, I will just read your article out loud 😀 thanks!
Elizabeth says
Good post. We were shocked when we went through SE Asia that tourists would visit an orphanage- bizarre. As you say would you do this in your home country. Not only that but in most Western countries people have to be screened before they are even allowed near children. The whole thing is just weird.
Sam Walker says
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for visiting. Yes, it is strange how our attitudes seem to change when we visit third world countries. And visiting is indeed a bizarre idea.