Think Global, Do Justice Money, Orphan Care and Voluntourism with Barak Laub
Jun 17, 2025
Barak Laub, a filmmaker and advocate focused on orphan care, discusses his documentary 'Volunteers Needed,' highlighting the complexities of voluntourism in Nepal. He delves into the ethical implications of orphanage tourism, revealing how well-intentioned efforts can lead to unintended harm. Laub shares insights on the systemic issues of child trafficking and emphasizes the importance of genuine contributions over superficial volunteering. He advocates for legislative changes to improve care for vulnerable children and underscores the importance of ethical consumerism.
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Discovery of Orphanage Abuse
- Barak Laub and his friend planned a travel documentary but discovered systemic abuse in Nepal orphanages.
- They shifted focus to uncover child trafficking linked to orphan tourism and volunteerism.
Risks of Unqualified Volunteering
- Many international volunteers are unqualified for their roles, turning them into paying customers rather than helpful contributors.
- Volunteering can unintentionally exploit vulnerable people and animals, fueling harmful industries like canned hunting.
Value of Skilled Long-Term Volunteering
- Short-term volunteering (2-3 weeks) is generally ineffective for meaningful impact.
- Long-term volunteering with concrete skills leads to sustainable contributions by teaching locals.
