What's wrong with volunteer travel?: Daniela Papi at TEDxOxbridge

Daniela spent six years living in Cambodia where she founded PEPY, a youth leadership and education organization, and PEPY Tours, a development education travel company. PEPY Tours, which started as a "voluntourism" organization, is now a leading advocate in the shift from service to learning travel and Daniela blogs frequently about this and other topics through her blog, "Lessons I Learned".
Daniela Papi is the founder of PEPY, a Cambodian youth leadership organization, and PEPY Tours, a development education travel company, and is currently a Skoll Scholar at Oxford's Said Business School.
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[@mohamedelhag7778]

Remember folks she is this wise today because of the travels and mistakes of yesterday.. loved the talk .. great points .. still will travel but with these valid points in mind

[@cowlimp]

Hi Daniela. Love your talk and your passion. Just want to add: You don't volunteer to save the world. You volunteer for yourself; because your world expands,because you make connections, because you get to meet the world's heart with your own heart. Anyone who spends any time immersed in overwhelming need will quickly realize their two-week volunteer vacation will not change the world. It's the world that will change them. That said, by all means: be humble, learn first and get inspired!

[@ngumlovered7566]

John Marshall so you just don’t care that your harming the communities you go to?

[@sofiareyes2949]

Wendy Peace you don’t “hurt them” if you do it the right way, and when you has learn so much to can actually do something bigger

[@ngumlovered7566]

Sofia Reyes Ramos no, some missionaries actually end up hurting the local economy

[@volunteerteacherthailand7477]

Thank you for this Daniela. I run a volunteer project in Thailand. and I can say I have seen most of that you talk of. I think one answer is that these voluntourism outfits should be managed by qualified people. Then they can organise the project to give a meaningful, sustainable contribution. Of course I am whistling at the moon, but I do appreciate your views. Ken

[@miracleshappen4483]

That's exactly what I think. To be completely honest, our approach as Western people has always been - Now that I'm here I'm gonna tell you how to do things the "right" way-. I'm in Cambodia right now, I've seen a few of these fake orphanages that collect money from unknowing tourists coming from all over the world. It was the same in Nepal. In Malaysia you have to pay to be a short term volunteer for the baby orangutans whose forest and families have been destroyed to plant palm trees for the palm oil industry (an ecological disaster of gigantic proportions from what I have seen). You can also volunteer to help the little turtles go back to the sea once their eggs have hatched. The islands where they live are expanding their tourist business so the areas where marine turtles can go to lay their eggs is increasingly becoming smaller. We are not solving any problems by volunteering, we can only solve the problem by changing our lifestyle. If wealth was measured in terms of ethic values, the so called "developed" countries would be the poorest! We live in a profit-based society and most people do things for the sake of money rather than for the good of evolution. Each individual can change the world just by changing their lifestyle, no need to do volunteer travelling for that even if it is an eye opener for most of us.

[@libardohernendez5511]

Miracles Happen g

[@lmb4876]

Well said! Thank you

[@Dangerous0Fairy]

I have to agree .. not only volunteers waste their effort in these 1-2 weeks trips because it's not enough time to form any bond or give any sustainable contribution -except in building volunteering- but they also discourage the local habitants of doing their job .. why would a farmer go to his field if he has a student doing this for him ? In my opinion we need 2 things : 1- give people in need the tools to do their job and be active contributers for a life time in building their community "learn a man how to fish " 2- increase local volunteering awareness . There are many projects in your own country that needs your help search them and start contributing so you can keep doing it all year round

[@msmegification]

Omnia Kadorah My thoughts exactly, thank you. Only the wealthy find the need to travel the world to "help others", the rest of us find opportunities where we live. The only people i've ever met who had the luxury of such an experience were kids of very wealthy people.

[@AntoniAmericaLatina]

Wow, thats the best talk about the volunteering that I have ever heard. I just came back home after 1,5 year of working\volunteering in Latin America and I had such a mixed feelings about the work that I was doing there. That's why I am coming back right after Christmas and will try again this time with some locals NGOs with different approach and ideas. Thanks Daniela, amazing talk!

[@user-jv7kb6fq5p]

I think volunteer is important.So many people should do it.

[@PeteS_1994]

Everything has its pros and cons.

[@miminigeria2431]

There are soooo many reasons why people volunteer. Some volunteer in order to get a perspective on how other people live in different cultures. Those who say volunteer in you own country. Even though that is true in some instances BUT diversity is so essential.

[@kathialandaverde]

i agree with that because most people wants to make a difference and wants to do somgthing. There's this program that I'm planning to do that does many projects and I'm planning to do that

[@stejo9865]

awesome speech, good job! Hope your organization grows!

[@FairTreatment]

Doing volunteer travelling definitely do more good than spending your vacation on red wines of a 5-star luxury resort.

[@PCP1992]

Did you not hear the part where she suggested sometimes it causes more harm than good?

[@nomadic3858]

YES! exactly the conclusion I recently came too...thank you for putting that into words

[@JustThreeAmigos]

Interesting take! It’s always good to give at home and abroad and every day ! Every time you come into contact with someone is a chance to give something valuable to them even just a smile!

[@dominicbaltisser2744]

Very impressive, you are totally right! The issue is, that the big players on the "voluntourism-market" are not interessted in long-term-development-results, sustaible solutions etc. All they care about is how to maxamise their profit! the bigger and more effective their marketing-machine, the more volunteers you attract, and the more profit you finally make. that's all it really is about, unfortuntately

[@sabeepathak7766]

I totally agree you. Thanks for this talk. Thumbs up!

[@jessicanorton8183]

You do make valid points but please try not to generalise when it comes to volunteering. If you go with the right company you will be making a difference because they ensure that each volunteer leaves something that will last in the community, whether it be some knowledge about Business plans or even some sheet music for the music department in a school. I do agree that some volunteers go abroad without knowing about the culture and what they should be aiming to achieve during their time, but the majority understand what the communities need and have researched before they go out there.

[@sakainaismith4742]

+Jessica Norton You can never know what is needed by a little bit of research. What Daniela was explaining is that it is condescending to assume that we can teach anything of value to these people.... without any living knowledge of what their reality is. We would be better to go and learn from the people in Cambodia than to assume that we can teach.

[@HillsEnd]

Amazing and powerful talk - thank you!

[@meandmysara95]

Honestly, I can't say I was disappointed to hear all of this right before I go on a volunteering trip to Africa, but she makes a very valid point. :(

[@Veronica-yd5dz]

Sara Tansey how was it? Or how did it turn out?

[@navajodoll6320]

How did it go?

[@davidj5998]

Lets normize specifying the country in Africa.

[@davinamayor7776]

@@davidj5998 right?

[@lutingpan9332]

Just the right perspective I've been searching for volunteering. Empathy learning instead of sympathy volunteering. To be prepared for the responsibilities that come with the global citizenship.

[@starr99]

Great argument, Daniela, for "learning service." Thanks!

[@BeyondBorders00]

Great topic to cover so please keep coverage on this subject ⭐

[@josenavarro3751]

Amaizing talk ! Provided me a different perspective regarding volunteering 😊

[@leonziotravelzbettyrangiwa4614]

Thank you, so much helpful tips to know..

[@MazDelaCerna]

Glad I stumbled across your channel! We have a lot in common!

[@spitfire8984]

So...you can't speak the language, have never visited this country before, and have no experience teaching or caring for fragile children? And YOU'RE going to make a difference? The most kids that age can do is some filler construction project, which would be better off done by locals who have the experience and could use some money.

[@greenthumb1523]

That's just rude.

[@hoflandto]

Truth does not have to be pleasent.

[@lydiarachel480]

and helping out with animals if youre an animal lover

[@AlusineKamara]

Hey ! I have learnt so much from this Video, I'm a founder of a volunteer Organization which is Called Volunteers Sierra Leone which make placements for Volunteers,interns, researchers and many more. to work with communities, Schools,Universities and local organizations in Sierra Leone West Africa. Daniela to me I see volunteering is a means of learning from both sides. and I will like to learn and share about voluntarism in this field

[@ranaflowers8525]

Please, do NOT volunteer in orphanages. Look for community based organisations. Those who volunteer in orphanages give the institution credibility; perpetuate the orphanage industry in Cambodia and most importantly - they further traumatise children.

[@greenthumb1523]

Thank you for mentioning this. Beautiful statement.

[@lenorepaletta9267]

Thank you. Thank you.

[@leonziotravelzbettyrangiwa4614]

Thank you so much for information

[@cassiesm8585]

It is unfair to lump all volunteer projects and NGOs into one basket. We should be really careful about this. There are many projects that are set up just as Daniela says as well as many people who seek validation or significance by waltzing in and splashing cash and ideas around BUT also many organisations that are set up to assist at the grassroots level where funds only trickle down, if at all. Those are the projects that need support from volunteer funds, labour and skills. For volunteers - Volunteering can be the most rewarding and life changing experience of your life. The opportunity to see places and interact with people, animals and cultures that would otherwise remain intangible to you is priceless. It's simple - buyer beware. Voluntourism is an industry, yes. Doesn't mean it's all a scam or has no value at all. So do your research before you book. Speak to past volunteers, research the project itself and the sending agency booking you (if you use one). Ask questions like: Are local people employed at the project? Does the project take away or divert resources from the locals to feed or house volunteers? Are the people, children or animals used to entertain tourists or in any commercial ventures?

[@chelc2435]

I don't think she's lumping anything together, she's just creating awareness. Even with some amazing programs there are still those people with grandiose complexes who think they are going to save the world. This talk was shared at my school's program for their annual general meeting so obviously she is not lumping anything together but hoping that people will share and inform themselves of the dangers and unrealistic ideas of volunteering. She also mentions teachers and parents, this isn't just for the volunteer, this is to change the outlook of volunteering for the world. Especially the developed world.

[@benoitclement6315]

Beautiful message.

[@kkevus]

This video needs more views!

[@amytan4442]

Recently I am preparing things for being an international volunteer. This video lets me see the negative influence on the local brought by volunteer tourism. Emm, it's better to give up this volunteer travel.

[@gurjindersingh8975]

amazing presentation and explanation Daniela Papi

[@felixl8447]

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[@samigerbermeskele342]

fire

[@shalomshalom8433]

Can you please give me the name of that NGOs title, because I think that you definitely joint in the volunteer tourism.

[@bestgirl993]

Hi Daniela, Thank you for a great talk. As a young student, I'm looking for some oversea experience as well. However, I dont know any good oversea learning development providers. It'd be great if you can recommend me some qualified organisations. Cheers :)

[@tf7645]

beautiful message, beautiful girl

[@jayal5771]

You work for 5 cent per hour but again when I volunteer. I make sure it's something that helps children or animals others wise nope. I used to volunteer in a hospital for 6 months . I love it . Nice team work . But I had to go

[@sofiareyes2949]

Jay Al exactly, it depends in the ones with animal 🦒 you my not going to stop the whole capitalist system to save them but a least you are helping ones and learning, learning a lot, if you can take that knowledge and do something, it would be amazing

[@diBundy]

Totally support what you are saying Daniela, voluntourism can be ugly and dangerous and a new form of colonialism.

[@khi590]

well, where do volunteers go without being supervised - e.g. at nph kids, there are always locals that instruct and supervise...and at other projects, building orphanages or so, there are always people who tell what to do, otherwise it would be not possible just because of language barrier...

[@JoshuaRosenberg904]

Whats your opinion on the Peace Corp?

[@helenchen8750]

I can only say that the problems that she's talking about don't apply to the volunteer trip I went on. Plus volunteer tourism is still mostly, to me, tourism. I volunteer travel for most of the same reasons that I just travel.

[@kiezllemanalili2374]

Volunteer travelling for travelling sake has its negative effects, especially if you enter through an agency with no experience in development work. If you merely give money or resources to an institution(school or orphanages), there might be repurcussions for instance, the head of that institution may be corrupt and might embezzle the donations.

[@bijogny]

How can I contact this person?

[@wakawaka5421]

I am learning this... :-)

[@Jasinskier]

Sounds like she is blaming obvious outside influences for her blatant naivety.

[@sofiareyes2949]

Yeap

[@madtingz2288]

It’s called volunteering for a reason, you aren’t supposed to be an expert in the job.. you’re learning and and any little help does good even if it’s not professional. I don’t think it’s the volunteering that’s wrong maybe just the place you’re going to.

[@worldbeatxxx]

I can't believe how naive she was when she traveled.

[@HiiAnniie]

That's not naive. That's a dream and a dream most young travelers have now a days.

[@shadegat3996]

A million egg cups to stop a sinking ship. Try addressing the problems direct instead of the symptoms. Instead of the issues, try the causes. Too scared ? But really, no one will because that means taking on those who causes poverty in those places. Volunteering is like patching the afflicted in a war but doing nothing to stop the war. By virtue of this fact, we compound the main issues that cause these problems just like her quote about buying from a poor kid is keeping them in that situation. She has that much insight yet can not look behind to the background of those issues? No one will ever end the cause but will instead opt to clean up the injuries and afflicted. Talk is cheap.

[@msmegification]

This is only a problem for the children of very wealthy people who have the LUXURY of such an experience. Secondly, why must people go abroad to learn to help? We have TONS of opportunities to help right here in our own countries. As I said, only the wealthy go abroad to "serve", the rest of us find ways to serve right where we are as we don't have the money to send our kids on a vacation disguised as a "volunteer service".

[@TheStealthChromeJet]

+msmeg i spent my money on memes

[@taherturbedar9396]

You think it's easy, It comes from your desire to be called a hero but not to be actual heros, I live in Syria and we here have some heros coming out from ashes like a phonex bird with alot of empathy and a scence of responsability, dedicating their lives no matter what and how much it will take. You guys definately are getting it wrong and you should reconsider the purpose of your existence before going there because you are not going to find it out there.

[@FairTreatment]

Please check them out: (voluntourism do less harm than good on other TEDs) Medical Voluntourism in 'Shangri-La'? David Citrin at TEDxVictoriaHarbour Volunteer your way around the world: John Marshall at TEDxDirigo

[@treasure2behold282]

Duh ! That's the reason you volunteer. It's a learning experience, you learn that not everything is as it seems. It's always a shock to learn the true reality of every situation. We have to stop fantasizing. Visualization and fantasy are not the same thing. It's best not to have too many expectations. or else your vision will be blocked. Do with your Truth and your heart, only then will you experience something truly beautiful.

[@morganfaranov7414]

Anyone in this comment section know anything about International Volunteer HQ?

[@FairTreatment]

I totally agree with you, John!!!

[@chaseharrison5122]

So she's upset that her trust funded trip to a developing nation wasn't "authentic" enough?

[@1062501]

So she can volunteer abroad, but not us? It's like "I heard of that band first, so I am cooler... " I actually did volunteer abroad in 2008, so maybe I should have wrote an article to stop her from volunteering :)

[@HughJason]

Too 'rehearsed'.

[@melanie-rosannastevens7861]

Is that really all you have to say about this topic? You are not here to judge her presenting skills. You are not here to give this lady a grade. Sit down, you are here to listen and learn.