Travelling to Cambodia?
You can protect children through safe travel practices...
Images of exploited children litter Cambodian streets and if you're travelling to the country, you will no doubt come face-to-face with it at some point during your travels. While handing cash over to street children or becoming involved in abusive situations may make you feel better in the short term, these are not strategies that will benefit the children over the long term. Being aware of travel safe initiatives and involving the most appropriate authorities is the only way in which you'll make a sustainable difference in a country like Cambodia.
Cambodia has created an industry of orphanages, many of which are run for reasons most of us would prefer not to believe. Most of the good ones won't allow visitors but if you do find yourself on a journey into one, please be mindful that they are not always what they seem. Do your research before you hand over any donations - corruption is rife and while you may want to help, foreign aid should be directed through the appropriate channels.
For more information, read our Volunteering article, published in June's TravelTalk issue.
The ChildSafe Network offers ways in which you can protect children when you travel:
Images of exploited children litter Cambodian streets and if you're travelling to the country, you will no doubt come face-to-face with it at some point during your travels. While handing cash over to street children or becoming involved in abusive situations may make you feel better in the short term, these are not strategies that will benefit the children over the long term. Being aware of travel safe initiatives and involving the most appropriate authorities is the only way in which you'll make a sustainable difference in a country like Cambodia.
Cambodia has created an industry of orphanages, many of which are run for reasons most of us would prefer not to believe. Most of the good ones won't allow visitors but if you do find yourself on a journey into one, please be mindful that they are not always what they seem. Do your research before you hand over any donations - corruption is rife and while you may want to help, foreign aid should be directed through the appropriate channels.
For more information, read our Volunteering article, published in June's TravelTalk issue.
The ChildSafe Network offers ways in which you can protect children when you travel:
1. Support ChildSafe Network members: you'll see businesses and individuals with the Child Safe logo
2. Think before handing over cash to begging children: you're better off supporting an organisation that will help get them off the streets 3. Protect children from child labour and sexual exploitation: call ChildSafe hotlines to report exploitation and help get children back into school 4. Remember, children are not tourist attractions: instead of visiting an orphanage or dump site, do your research and contact well run organisations that support community development initiatives for longer term sustainability In general, if you see a child in danger, call the local authorities or report it to ChildSafe hotlines - involving yourself directly without local knowledge or advice may put you at risk. For more information, visit www.thinkchildsafe.org. |