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visiting a Cambodian orphanage

sayadian

under-employed
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Is visiting a Cambodian orphanage as a tourist (not as a volunteer) the modern equivalent of the 19th century propensity to visit an asylum?
In other words what are people's motives.

#1 Posted: 21/1/2010 - 16:06

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money frees you from doing things you dislike,since I dislike doing nearly everything money is handy'
DLuek

adventurer
Posts: 403

If the tourist gives some sort of charity (money, food, health supplies, etc.) to the orphanage during the visit then it's an act of good will. If the tourist doesn't give anything and just wants to take pictures of a bunch of Cambodian kids to add to their trip pictures, then it's an act of selfishness.

#2 Posted: 22/1/2010 - 09:40
DuncanStuart

flashpacker
Posts: 32

Agree with DLuek. It is just unbelievablY rude when well-heeled tourists visit an orphanage, or attend a show put on as a fundraising effort by the orphans and then walk away without giving at all. Completely insensitive.

If as a visitor you wish to "shop around" to find a cause that suits your sensibility, then fine - but do your research on the web.

#3 Posted: 2/2/2010 - 10:47
travelsalone

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Bringing rice, fruit, maybe school/art supplies and interacting with the children a bit is usually welcomed. Giving money is risky as you don't always know exactly where is goes.

#4 Posted: 28/5/2010 - 23:32
Sophia_India

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I think its a nice thing as long as its not just for photos etc.... Bring something with you, pens, colouring in pencils, sweets.

#5 Posted: 2/6/2010 - 18:38