Orphanage Tourism

The exploitation of children

Orphanage tourism and orphanage volunteering is not helping children in need. In fact, it fuels an industry where children are used as tourist attractions and, in some cases, trafficked and exploited.

Orphanages that host volunteers do so to sustain their operations, not for the benefit of the children. Orphanages that host volunteers usually have very limited resources to conduct necessary procedures or legal systems in place to carry out background checks. Without vetting volunteers, children are at risk of predators and sexual abuse.

When a volunteer departs an orphanage after bonding with a child, a child's feelings of abandonment and emotional stress increase, which can have negative effects on their well-being and development.

80% of children in orphanages have families. Volunteers who visit orphanages contribute to those kids being separated from their families The more volunteers who visit orphanages, the more orphanages become profitable. This creates a demand for child trafficking. Many children are trafficked into orphanages with the sole purpose of generating funds.

How can you help? Do not volunteer in orphanages. Spread the word about the danger of orphanage tourism, and instead of volunteering in an orphanage dedicate your time to projects and organizations that support families and communities by addressing the root causes of poverty and separation.