Paid Voluntourism and Volunteering Scams in Nepal

Erin Elliott of Alberta Canada and Rebeca Limmer of Tanzania Australia were taken in by a volunteering scam
This entry is part 1 of 3 in the series Paying to Volunteer - Scam or Legitimate Social Program?

My life changed for the better when I deserted corporate America to pursue my true passions of travel, writing and photography but over the past few years I’ve often felt there was still a piece of the puzzle missing. There was something more I was meant to do; I just wasn’t sure what it was. … Read more

Street Kids in Nepal Drum Their Way to Self Esteem

Volunteer drumming program in Pokhara Nepal
This entry is part 2 of 3 in the series Paying to Volunteer - Scam or Legitimate Social Program?

The dangerously handsome man sitting at an adjacent table in the Pokhara coffee shop nodded as I wrapped up my interview with two young girls who’s had an abhorrent experience with a local volunteer operator. A jumble of dreadlocks peeked from beneath Hugo Caminero’s rainbow knitted skullcap as he leaned across the aisle and admitted … Read more

The Dark Side of Three Sisters Trekking and their NGO, Empowering Women of Nepal

3 Sisters Trekking Company and Hotel
This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series Paying to Volunteer - Scam or Legitimate Social Program?

Sarita was only 13 years old when her parents sold her to the owner of a hotel in Kagbeni, high in the Himalayan Mountains in the Lower Mustang area of Nepal. For the next year, she slaved in the kitchen, preparing meals for the 10-20 men who stayed at the guest house. She was paid … Read more