Voluntourism

Think only world leaders and billion-aires can change the world?Anyone can make a positive impact-even on holiday.Volunteer Tourism,aka“voluntourism”,lets you journey off the beaten path and do good at the same time.What can I do?There are now as many volunteer holiday options as there are pet passions,including saving sea turtles in Costa Rica,helping with reforestation efforts in Ecuador,and rebuilding tsunami affected areas in Sri Lanka.who’s it for?Anyone with a desire to make a difference.You don’t need specific skills,and don’t have to commit to months away.Does it make a difference?According to Lonely planet writer Sarah Wintle,many agencies are ge genuinely charitable and responsible,but it’s up to aspiring volunteers to do their homework.“Credible volunteer outfits tend to be members of peak bodies such as FORUM(forum-ids.org).Registered charities regulated by national bodies are also generally a safe bet.”To be part of a longstanding effort,suss out the time frame of the programme.It’s many benefits of this.

Resource:Reader digest may 2010(pg 144)