Going to an Orphanage while in Sri Lanka
 

Hi, would you are be able to share with me any orphanage that I would be able to visit?
I would like to sponor one day lunch or dinner for them. I would like to give out some stationeries.

Sorry, don't have any to recommend, but can I make a suggestion?

Sponsor a meal, but do not tell the kids you are the sponsor, and PLEASE do not hand out gifts. Give them to the staff to pass out. These kids are not tourist attractions, and by handing out "stuff" you are reinforcing the 'foreigners as saviors' stereotype. Let the people who take care of them on a regular basis take credit for any gifts.

Hi Lcuy,
Yes. Whenever I do that, I never tell them I am a sponsor to the kids.

I actually pass the stuffs to the staffs and they usually distribute infront of us. This is to also ensure that the stuffs are going to the children.

If you hand the "stuffs" to the staff and they then had it out in front of you then you are doing exactly what lcuy suggests you don’t do i.e. reinforcing the stereotype that all foreigners are benevolent saviours. They are not! For many unsavoury types these orphanages are hunting grounds for child trafficking.

If you really want to do some good as opposed to be seen to be doing something good, donate to a recognised, well established charity working in the field of child welfare.

These poor kids are not tourist attraction there to be gawped at. Every visit disrupts their routine and edcucation.

No apologies if this sounds harsh but it is a very serious issue worldwide.

Thank you lcuy and crellston. A couple of times when I have gone with a tour instead of on my own I have wound up on a "school visit". I hate the "human zoo" feeling, it is so disrespectful to the kids.