The White Saviour Complex. Stop Trying to 'Save the World'.

Throughout my three years studying International Development, I’ve consistently highlighted the detrimental impacts of voluntourism. Yet, I still encounter friends who participate in university and school trips abroad, teaching English to vulnerable communities, fully aware of the potential consequences.

When confronted about their choices, many offer excuses like, "this program is different."

However, I assure you, it is not.

Image sourced from Peter Drew Arts. Click on the image for links.

Understanding these issues often comes down to education, and I recognize my privilege in having access to such knowledge. In 2024, an abundance of information is available online, offering diverse perspectives and facts.

The White Saviour Complex

The organisation No White Saviours effectively challenges the 'White Saviour Complex' through social media. This complex describes a scenario where a white person helps non-white people in a manner that can often be self-serving.

According to No White Saviours, the issue with such volunteering efforts is the "persistent narrative that passion and goodwill alone can solve complex problems in vulnerable communities."

This lack of understanding before embarking on such trips is not merely an excuse but a fundamental ignorance.

Many who engage in these programs may have good intentions, yet these intentions often mask a deeper ignorance. Good intentions should not overshadow the potential negative impacts of such actions.

The White Saviour Complex focuses on the 'helper' rather than the recipients of aid. It centers on the helper’s gratification and presumes they know what is best for the community. This perspective disregards the lived experiences of the community, ignoring power imbalances and undermining the community’s capacity for self-empowerment and long-term change.

(Adapted from Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee)

The White Man's Burden

Supporting the White Saviour Complex is Rudyard Kipling’s concept of ‘The White Man’s Burden,’ a poem from the late 1800s. Kipling urged the United States to take colonial control over the Philippines, suggesting that the 'white man' had a moral obligation to rule over people of color.

This notion posited that the white race must influence every aspect of colored communities, including their economic, social, and cultural aspects. This ideology, rooted in settler colonialism and religious missionary work, has contributed to numerous development issues and must be challenged to change the narrative of Western dominance.

Questions to Consider Before Volunteering

Before embarking on a volunteer trip, reflect on the following questions to assess your impact:

1. Is this practice acceptable in my own community? If not, why is it acceptable elsewhere?

   
   

2. Am I qualified for this role, including language skills or specialised qualifications?

   
   

3. Do I have a thorough understanding of the country's cultural, political, and social aspects?

   
   

4. Can I commit to long-term involvement and understanding of the community’s needs?

   
   

5. Does the organisation align with my ethical and moral values?

   
   

6. Is the organisation legally registered in the country?

   
   

7. Does the organisation meet minimum standards for child care and working conditions?

   
   

8. Does the organisation employ long-term, trained staff from the local community?

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10. Does the project have effective long-term strategies?

    
    

11. Does the organisation have child protection policies for all staff and volunteers?

    
    

12. Does the organisation have realistic plans for stable, long-term funding?

    
    

13. Does the organisation have systems in place for financial accountability and transparency?

    
    

14. Is my contribution necessary and will it have a positive impact?

    
    

15. Are there local volunteer opportunities I can consider instead?

    
    

16. Would donating funds be more beneficial than my time and presence?

If you cannot answer these questions satisfactorily, it may indicate that your volunteer trip could cause more harm than good.

Society often praises acts of 'good' benevolence, making it challenging to receive critical feedback. However, with privilege comes responsibility. It is crucial to educate ourselves and ensure that our contributions foster a better and safer world for everyone, not just for our self-gratification.