My new book: Best Intentions, Yet Still Causing Harm. Why volunteering in orphanages does not have the effect you hoped for, is now available (after some delays, mostly pandemic related). After having witnessed the effects of volunteering in ‘orphanages’ on children for over a decade, I decided it was time to make other people aware of the unintended, but serious, consequences of this kind of volunteering.
Going to another country to an ‘orphanage’ and giving your time to underprivileged children seems like a great idea. Such a kind and generous thing to do. Volunteering comes from the best intentions and a genuine desire to make a difference. When you arrive, it looks like they had been waiting for you all this time. A swarm of children runs up to you and surrounds you, tries to hug you or sit on your lap. They accept the extra food you buy them as manna from heaven. As you leave, while you are sad to leave the children behind, you are comforted by the thought that you clearly made a positive difference in their lives. Unfortunately, all is not what it seems.
This book pulls aside the veil and provides insight into the unintended consequences of volunteering in ‘orphanages’. As well as suggestions for ways in which you can support children in ethical and beneficial ways.
It may seem less than relevant at a time when almost all travel is still suspended and people are mostly volunteering in their own neighbourhoods. However, as vaccinations are being rolled out and people are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and may be beginning to make plans for ‘after’, I think this is the perfect time to raise awareness on the impact of volunteering on institutionalised children. Because it will help people make plans for ‘after’ that do not cause unintentional harm.
Please share this blog to help raise awareness.