Thanks for sharing your story. Often, our gut is right in situations like this — if something doesn’t “feel” right then there’s probably a reason for this. It is quite sad that situations like this are so common, but we agree that not contributing to try and break this cycle is the best option.

Kristin, thank you for your comment and sharing your story and experiences from your work in Belize. This has been an evolution in awareness and understanding better the possibilities of unintended harm even when the intentions of the traveler/visitor is good and truly wants to help. But, as you said, there are often so many things at work locally that can affect whether something does harm or causes side problems that you had never imagined. That’s why it’s so important, as you said, to always be asking yourself the question “Can this action/project/behavior cause harm in some way?” and to earn the trust of local people who can advise you on socio-economic and cultural considerations.

Alyssa, thank you for your long and thoughtful comment. I’m glad you found this article useful and provided some additional information to what you’ve already researched and written about regarding trafficking and the tourism industry. Although we’ve always been concerned about doing the “right” thing when it comes to local children and child welfare, we began going more deeply into researching these issues a few years ago after traveling in East Africa and Haiti. We not only talked with local people about what we saw and what the best thing travelers should do, but we also began reaching out to experts to learn more about the issue. It’s been a journey of increased awareness. And, we’re still learning and asking questions.

These same questions and Don’ts you list are really important in projects/programs too. So much damage done when the program creators don’t ask, “will this cause unintended harm?”

I constantly ask myself this. And it started in 2005 when I founded and facilitated literacy outreach in Belize, upon an invitation from a local.

2005-2012 My own school visits were not to take photos but to teach and train local teachers w/ developing the curriculum w/ support from the local administration, in-country literacy programs and university ed programs. Yet I always asked myself, “Am I unintentionally doing harm?” What if my literacy program which used local cultural stories (told to me and used with permission) somehow created friction in local families because I was telling girls it was good for them to be in school? What if their parents disagreed, would that child then be beaten or harmed because I said the opposite? Whew!

It’s a fine line and one we really need to fully consider BEFORE we do anything in another country/culture. Be sure you understand and ask what is needed too. I did 6 months of in-country research and asking locals what would best serve while creating the program to do my best to do no harm. And I still questioned what I was offering.

So yes, please, even with programs, let’s look at the bigger picture and each ask ourselves: “am I doing any harm?”

As for buying from kids thank you for highlighting the deep damage caused! So many layers.

I went to one orphanage in 2006 and shortly afterwards was educated of the damage that can cause. I’ve done my best to talk so many others out of going: what seems like like being loving and harmless not only leads to what you described it is also psychologically damaging to the actual orphans: it re-opens abandonment issues among others.

Thank you again Audrey for how mindful you and Dan always seek to be and for admitting your own learning curve. I love that about you both!

Big hugs and thank you for sharing a really important and needed list of tips!
Kristin