Why not consider volunteering at places like Ngamba Island, a chimpanzee santuary started by Jane Goodall and continued with the Chimpanzee Trust. Contact them on www.ngbambaisland.org for more information.
What is Volunteer Tourism
Volunteer tourism, often called “voluntourism,” is a type of travel where individuals engage in volunteer work while also experiencing the destination as a tourist. This form of travel typically combines vacation time with a commitment to helping communities or environments in need. Participants may work on conservation projects, community development, teaching, or health initiatives, among other activities.
Some key aspects of volunteer tourism include:
- Community and Environmental Impact: Voluntourism allows travelers to make a positive difference in the places they visit, whether by helping local communities, supporting education, preserving wildlife, or aiding disaster relief.
- Cultural Exchange: Volunteers often live with local families or in close proximity to community members, which fosters cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
- Skills Development: Volunteers can gain valuable experiences and skills in areas such as project management, teaching, medical care, and sustainable agriculture.
- Paid or Unpaid: Some voluntourism programs charge participants a fee that covers accommodation, meals, and program costs, while others may offer free lodging and meals.
While it can be a rewarding experience for both the volunteers and the communities they help, voluntourism has faced criticism in some cases for creating dependency or for offering solutions that might not be sustainable in the long term. To ensure ethical voluntourism, it’s important to choose programs that align with local needs and that prioritize long-term, community-driven goals.
Are you considering voluntourism for your next trip?
