In Cambodia, orphanages have morphed into something very different than places where children without parents can live. Recent studies have found that nearly 80 percent of children living in Cambodian orphanages are not actually orphans. Further, while legitimate orphanages do exist, many arejust money-making machines, keeping standards appalling low to attract donations,which line the pockets of their owners.
Orphanages in Cambodia have also become tourist attractions, bringing in unskilled visitors to volunteer for a couple weeks or even just drop by for an afternoon to look around. Psychologists argue that these practices exploit vulnerable children who are harmed by the revolving door of people, and humanitarian workers argue that short-term volunteers rarely make a meaningful impact. As a result, “anti-orphanage tourism” campaigns are prominent throughout Cambodia, aiming to discourage these activities. For travelers wanting to help the local community, a better option is to support local businesses and social enterprises or consider making a donation to an established organization.