Tourists often visit Cambodia not only to see the sights, but also to do good deeds. Cambodia is a fertile ground for philanthropy. Thanks to its recent bloody history (read about the Khmer Rouge and the Tuol Sleng extermination camp), the kingdom is one of the least developed and most poverty-stricken countries in Southeast Asia, suffering from disease, malnutrition and , the mortality rate is higher than in other countries. remaining areas.
Cambodia became the destination regular It’s “voluntourism” that takes visitors from Siem Reap’s luxury resorts to orphanages and impoverished communities. Suffering is in oversupply, and there is no shortage of tourists with goodwill (and philanthropic funds) to spare.
The number of orphanages in Cambodia is increasing
Between 2005 and 2010, the number of orphanages in Cambodia increased by 75%. As of 2010, 11,945 children lived in 269 residential care facilities across the Kingdom.
Still, many of these children do not have Orphan. Approximately 44 percent of children living in residential care were placed in foster care by their own parents or relatives. Almost three-quarters of these children I have one living parent!
“Although a variety of other socio-economic factors contribute to the likelihood of a child being placed in institutional care, such as remarriage, single-parent households, large families, and alcoholism, the single biggest factor in placing a child in residential care is , the belief that children will become ill with better education,” says a UNICEF report on residential care in Cambodia.
“In the ‘worst case scenario’, these children are ‘borrowed’ or even ‘bought’ by their families, as they would rather pretend to be poor orphans than study and eventually graduate from school. It is considered more valuable to the family to earn money by doing so. Ana Baranova of PEPY Tours writes:. “Parents are willing to send their children to these institutions believing that they will provide a better life for their children. Unfortunately, in many cases this is not the case.”
Orphanage tourism in Cambodia
Most of the orphanages housing these children are funded by donations from abroad. “Orphanage tourism” has become the next logical step. Many facilities attract tourists (and their money) by using their hospital wards for entertainment (in Siem Reap, Apsara The dance performed by “orphans” is all the rage). Tourists are actively encouraged to donate money “for the children” and may even be asked to volunteer as short-term childcare workers at these orphanages.
In less regulated countries like Cambodia, corruption tends to follow the scent of the dollar. “A significant number of orphanages in Cambodia, especially Siem Reap, are set up as businesses that make money from well-meaning but naive tourists and volunteers,” says Antoine (pseudonym), who works at a Cambodian children’s home. explains. Development department.
“These companies tend to be very good at marketing and self-promotion,” says Antoine. “They often ignore NGO status (as if that means anything!), child protection policies (and yet still allow unvetted visitors and volunteers to interact with children. ), and claims to have transparent accounting (LOL!).
Do you know what the road to hell is paved with?
Despite the best intentions, patronizing these orphanages can end up doing more harm than good. For example, volunteering as a caregiver or English teacher may sound like a great deed, but many volunteers don’t undergo background checks before being allowed to see children. “An unchecked influx of travelers means children are at risk of abuse, attachment issues or being used as a fundraising tool.” Daniela Papi writes.
“The recommendations of most child care professionals are: There are no tourists You should visit the orphanage,” said Antoine. These reasons should also apply to developing countries. ”
Even if you only give money and not your time, you may actually be contributing to unnecessary family separation, or worse, outright corruption.
Orphanages: a growing industry in Cambodia
Al Jazeera coverage Speaking about the experience of Australian Demi Jakoumis, he said: “I was surprised to learn that only a small portion of the up to $3,000 spent by volunteers actually goes to the orphanage. […] She said the director of the orphanage where she was placed told her that each volunteer received only $9 a week. ”
An Al Jazeera report paints a horrifying picture of Cambodia’s orphanage industry. “Children who are intentionally kept in poverty to encourage continued donations from volunteers who are attached to the children and from organizations that repeatedly ignore the volunteers’ concerns about the children’s welfare.”
no wonder actual Development experts on the ground are suspicious of these orphanages and the well-intentioned tourists who keep them afloat. “People need to make their own decisions,” Antoine explains. “But I would actively prevent Donations, visits, and volunteer work to orphanages. ”
How you can actually help
Travelers who are only in Cambodia for a few days may not have the tools to know if an orphanage is up to its standards.they may be To tell They follow the United Nations guidelines for child care, but the talk is cheap.
You should stop volunteering. unless Must have relevant experience and training. “If you don’t have the appropriate time and relevant skills and expertise, [volunteer] “Attempts to do good are probably futile or even harmful,” Antoine explains, “even teaching English to children (a popular short-term job) is at best a mild pastime. It has been conclusively proven that at worst it is a waste of everyone’s time. ”
made by antoine One Exception: “If you have relevant skills and qualifications (and a proven aptitude for transferring them), consider volunteering to work with NGO staff on training and development. However, that is only true. staff “Not the beneficiary,” Antoine suggests. “This is much more meaningful and can actually create positive and sustainable change.”