Years and years ago, in 1997, I visited South Africa for the first time. That was three years after apartheid
ended. Everything was different. Never
had I seen so many children living on the streets. I was totally convinced I
could change things for the better. I wanted children to be protected from
violence. I dreamed that they would soon all be living in safe environments. I
hoped they would get off the streets, attend school and be able to live a fulfilled
life. We all have dreams. I was a bit blue-eyed back then, naïve one might say.
I organized a charity event to support the development of long-term solutions
for street kids in Cape Town. After the event and after I personally handed
over the donations to the Marketing manager of a charity with an office in Cape
Town CBD, I haven’t heard very much about their work again.
It left me puzzled really, and it taught me to probably better
work with established charities in the future. They have extensive knowledge
and they know how and where to best put their expertise, to support communities
all over the world. In Australia I had the chance to work with Oxfam, for a few
years I volunteered in Marketing/Fundraising at their headquarters in Melbourne.
I met so many interesting and like-minded people, people from different
backgrounds that had one goal, to end poverty. I learned so much about
development work, was invited to attend workshops and lunch-time talks, and
gained insight in development projects.
Over the years it became clear to me that tourism can
create income for local economies, and preservation of nature (and cultural heritage)
is a positive add on, and to this day I still believe that It is best not to give to street children directly.
TravelchatSA - the biggest travel chat about South Africa. |
TravelchatSA: Talk
about Kind Hearts
Today we talk about Kind Hearts on #travelchatSA. Come
along to tell @travelopulent @AnksW23 @exclusivgetaway and @hot_oven everything
you know about foundations, charities, trusts, voluntourism and volunteerism. Have
a look at the questions first. Can’t wait to talk to you tonight.
Q1 Define what is charity/voluntourism in your own words.
Share an example or two. via @TravelCHatSA
#TravelChatSA
Q2 What can charities do to improve the volunteering
experience in South Africa? via @TravelOpulent
#TravelChatSA
Q3 Do you know of any organisations contributing to
community development through tourism in SA? via @AnksW23 #TravelChatSA
Q4 Nominate your favorite charities/voluntourism
organisations, and tell us why? Let's share the love #TravelChatSA
BONUS Q5: Share a photo of your experiences of
responsible/charitable tourism in SA. via @AnksW23
#TravelChatSA