WIN-WIN-WIN SITUATION
How everyone gets something out of it

The choice of volunteering projects is huge and it is often difficult to identify what is good and what is not. We have seen many projects not having the positive impact promised. Indeed, many volunteer placement agencies are selling products that are not in the best interest of local communities, such as missions in orphanages, which can cause harm to children. We provide volunteers with the necessary tools to engage in responsible and ethical volunteering.
For the local communities
For the organizations
For the volunteers
News articles
Banning-Lover, Rachel. Seven Questions You Should Ask before You Volunteer Abroad, The Guardian (The Guardian), January 4, 2016.
Biddle, Pippa. The Problem with Little White Girls, Boys and Voluntourism, The Huffington Post, February 23, 2014.
Brown, Jonathan. Voluntourism Is a “Waste of Time and Money” – and Gappers Are Better off Working in Britain, The Independent – News & Advice, October 24, 2014.
Coldwell, Will. Volunteer Holidays: How to Find an Ethical Project, The Guardian, January 27, 2016.
Kushner, Jacob. The Voluntourist’s Dilemma, The New York Times Magazine, March 25, 2016.
Papi, Daniela. ‘Viewpoint: Is Gap Year Volunteering a Bad Thing?’. BBC Magazine, May 1, 2013.
Papi, Daniela. Why You Should Say No to Orphanage Tourism (And Tell All Tour Companies to Do the Same), The Huffington Post. Posted 20 November 2012.
Purvis, Katherine and Lindsey Kennedy. ‘Volunteer Travel: Experts Raise Concerns over Unregulated Industry’. The Guardian, January 26, 2016.
Rousseau, Noémie. Tourisme humanitaire: la vrai fausse pitié, Libération, August 15, 2016.
Werner Gillioz, Emmanuelle. Le Business de La Pitié, Le Temps, July 1, 2014.
Werner Gillioz, Emmanuelle. Le Nombre D’orphelins Croit Avec La Pitié, Le Matin Dimanche, September 13, 2015..
Werner Gillioz, Emmanuelle. ‘Les Enfants Du Népal Ont Besoin de Soutien, Pas D’orphelinats’. Le Temps, May 17, 2015.
THE ALTERNATIVES
Yes, you can and should volunteer
Tip 1 - THINK! What can you offer?
Tip 2 - THINK! Do your homework on the organization you wish to support.
Unfortunately not all organizations, willingly or unwillingly, put the needs of those they serve first and it’s important to ensure you aren’t participating in any harmful activities.
The organization should have clear online information, financial transparency, a code of conduct and be registered in the country they operate. Before choosing your volunteer project it’s your responsibility to do research and a background check on the organization first.
Tip 3 - THINK! Prioritize your health and wellbeing and come prepared.
Many people who leave unprepared find themselves in difficult and risky situations. It’s important to take the necessary steps before you travel to stay safe. Making proper arrangements can ensure you have a smooth and positive volunteer experience.
Create a checklist of the things you need. If volunteering abroad, confirm the visa situation, obtain travelers insurance and check any health requirements. It’s also a good idea to register with your embassy and identify in-country resources and support should you need them. Don’t forget to look at the political situation in the country you will be visiting to ensure you’re informed and able to avoid any unnecessary risks.
Tip 4 - THINK! Always protect children and put their safety first.
Tip 5 - THINK! Arrive with an open mind and respect the local culture.
Tip 6 - THINK! Leave something behind, take something with you.
Tip 7 - THINK! Share your experience and join the Movement.
FIND AN ORGANIZATION
And have a real impact
Cambodia
Egypt
Partners |
FACE |
El Mawa |
CARITAS |
Ethiopia
Associates |
Bahir Zaf |
France
Associates |
Apprentis d’Auteuil |
Myanmar
Associates |
MYD |
Linkage |
Philippines
Associates |
Bahay Tuluyan |
Enfance |
Thailand
Associates | Partners |
One sky | Urban Light |
Kids Ark | Anti Human Trafficking and Child Abuse Center |
The Hub | Peuan Peuan |
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration | |
TLDF | |
FED | |
Department Of Juvenile Observation And Protection |
Vietnam
Associates |
Enfants et Développement |
REACH |