[teej]

What I did was volun-tourism and is generally looked down upon. I did not help anyone. Ghana was not better off for me having gone there. I personally benefitted from it but to pretend that my “volunteering” had an impact is silly.

There are lots of volun-tourism groups. They are for white people who want to go to Africa and look like they are making a difference. I can’t help answer your question, just to ask that you do your diligence and join a legit aid organization.

[alangibson]

Voluntourism has become so popular since I started backpacking ~15 years ago that it's become very common that you have to pay to to volunteer. Especially at really 'desirable' gigs like animal conservancies and places that have lots of kids.

[jzebedee]

I appreciate the frank response. This is a topic that I don't usually see addressed.