Volunteer Viewpoints Part Deux: From Volunteer to Advocate

Child protection might sound like something best left to the experts, but what if one conversation could make a real difference? In this piece, Friends-International volunteer, Hannah shares how a chance encounter with a fellow traveler on the road turned into an unexpected opportunity to spread the word about ChildSafe principles, and why protecting kids starts with all of us.

After four months volunteering with Friends-International through the Australian Volunteers Program, the 7 Tips for Travelers and the principles of being ChildSafe became ingrained in my everyday behavior and actions. However, having this training and knowledge also means accepting the responsibility to share it and educate others.

I found myself faced with this responsibility when discussing holiday plans with a female solo traveler who revealed she would be volunteering for a week in a school in Cambodia. This is a common practice among backpackers and young travelers throughout Southeast Asia. Many volunteers have good intentions and genuinely believe their efforts benefit children and local communities, often unaware of the risks that volunteering with children can create. It was time to put my knowledge and training into practice.

As we continued talking, I asked her what kind of work she would be doing and how the placement had been arranged. Like many travelers, she had found the opportunity online. She was surprised when I explained that despite good intentions, volunteering in schools and orphanages can do more harm than good. Without proper screening, training, and safeguarding measures, volunteer placements can expose children to unnecessary risks.

Our conversation turned into an opportunity to discuss responsible travel and the importance of putting children’s rights and wellbeing first. I shared some of the ChildSafe Traveler Tips, including the importance of reporting suspicious situations, avoiding activities that involve direct contact with vulnerable children and prioritizing supporting businesses and organizations that protect children.  She listened with an open mind, what had started as an exciting volunteering opportunity became a chance for her to reflect on the impact she wanted to have during her travels. By the end of our conversation, she was considering alternative ways to contribute, such as supporting local social enterprises and community initiatives that strengthen families and communities without creating dependency on foreign volunteers.

The experience reminded me that child protection is not only the responsibility of organizations working directly with children. Every traveler, volunteer, and community member has a crucial role to play. Raising awareness can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially when challenging activities that are widely accepted and promoted. Yet these conversations are essential if we want to create safer environments for children.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my time with Friends-International is that good intentions alone are not enough. Meaningful support begins with understanding local realities, listening to communities, and ensuring that our actions always place the best interests of children first. As travelers, we have the power to make responsible choices. As ChildSafe advocates, we also have the responsibility to encourage others to do the same. Sometimes, creating positive change starts with something as simple as a conversation.

To learn more about the ChildSafe Movement, go to thinkchildsafe.org
Support the work of saving lives and building futures at friends-international.org/donate