Just last night I was called again by someone who has a huge heart and wants to apply that at an orphanage in Asia. She was already booked, leaving in a week to go and be a volunteer. I was taken off guard and somewhat baffled at where to begin to answer the question of “what should I do (not do) there to be most helpful?”. Had she not already been going, my first response would have been along the lines of “I’m not sure you should volunteer at an orphanage at all”.

A growing trend in travel is known as “orphanage tourism”. A recent report from Cambodia has revealed that tourist visits at orphanages, despite tourists’ best intentions, cause more harm than good. Such visits have formed the basis of a thriving industry, may include a short performance or dance routine by the children, accompanied with a request for a small donation to assist with orphanage running costs.

A new campaign argues that the best way for tourists and travelers to support vulnerable children and their families is to support vocational training and community based initiatives, rather than visiting the orphanages directly. Click here and see more about the question of visiting orphanages.