Better Volunteering Better Care
Better Volunteering Better Care
Discouraging orphanage volunteering and promoting responsible alternatives
Discouraging orphanage volunteering and promoting responsible alternatives
The problem
Volunteering in orphanages is not in the best interests of children
The orphanage volunteer
Did you know?
... that volunteering in orphanages is not in the best interests of children? It can increase the risk of abuse, and cause attachment and other developmental issues.
The orphanage myth
Did you know?
... that 80% of children living in orphanages have one or more living parent? Children develop best when they grow up in families, not in orphanages.
The orphanage industry
Did you know?
... that in some cases, volunteers and tourists are creating a "demand" for orphanages? This is resulting in the growth of what's known as the "orphanage industry".
Learn more
Why orphanage volunteering can be harmful to children
Watch the video
How volunteering in orphanages can be harmful
A three minute video detailing the main reasons why volunteering at and supporting orphanages isn't necessarily in the best interests of children.
Download here
A detailed explanation of the reasons why orphanages and other residential care settings can be harmful for children, and why volunteering in these settings can create further problems for vulnerable children.
Disponible en español
Download here for the pdf
Download here for the jpeg
This infographic explains in an accessible way why we should say NO to international volunteering in orphanages (residential care centres).
This section of the BCN website provides further resources and information on the issue of international volunteering in residential care
UNIVERSITY PLEDGE
We, the organisations listed below, do not support volunteering in orphanages abroad, whether undertaken by organised groups or individuals for short or longer periods of time. We pledge not to advertise these to our students and we will endeavour to ensure that such opportunities are neither facilitated nor promoted within our institution.
We believe in the power of volunteerism and support and encourage student learning experiences and overseas volunteering opportunities that strive for the highest standards of child protection and best practice for ethical engagement.
This pledge has been designed as a collaboration between London School of Economics Volunteer Centre and the Better Volunteering Better Care initiative.
If you’re a student and passionate about this cause please sign the petition calling for the end of orphanage volunteering.
If you’re a higher or further education institute please add this pledge to your website. Email [email protected] to be added to the list of supporters.
