This Parody Perfectly Illustrates the Problem with Humanitarian Work Abroad

February 6, 2016 / SAIH Norway

“I’m gonna feed you!”

Many people think of volunteering abroad as a good thing – but have you considered the actual impact it can have?

Before you sign up for a well-meaning trip to a developing country, check out this video from SAIH Norway. It’s a hilarious demonstration of the problem with “voluntourism” – when people from Western countries do humanitarian work abroad without much knowledge of the communities they’re working in.

Watch as Lilly competes on a game show for a chance to “save Africa” – symbolizing how humanitarian volunteers, who are often young and white, may not be as helpful as they think.

We hope this gives you an idea of how “charity” work can cause more harm than good by perpetuating stereotypes, “white savior” complexes, and misunderstandings about other cultures.

With Love,
The Editors at Everyday Feminism

Click for the Transcript

Person 1: You guys better hurry. You guys better hurry. Let’s go!

Lilly: I’m going to feed you!

Person 1: Let’s move it, people. Let’s move it, people.

Text: Educate Africa Challenge: Who Wants to Be a Volunteer

Breezy: Welcome back to Who Wants to Be a Volunteer?, the show that’s putting you on the front lines. I’m here with Lilly, who’s all the way from Europe and she’s one question away from winning the grand prize: a chance to save Africa. Lilly, how are you feeling?

Lilly: I’m quite proud of myself. I didn’t think I’d make it.

Breezy: Well, you pulled through well. Let’s not waste any more time. Lilly, are you ready? Let’s play Who Wants to Be a Volunteer? For the grand prize of a chance to save Africa, answer this question: How many countries are there in Africa? Is it: a) one; b) two; c) five; or d) 54?

Lilly: I should know this one; I just can’t remember.

Breezy: This is the final question; you can’t make a mistake now.

Lilly: I’ll use my last lifeline.

Breezy: You want to use the Call an African Child Lifeline?

Lilly: Yes, please.

Breezy: Well, you’ve helped them so much; let’s see if they can help you. Let’s get Michael on the line.

Michael: Hello?

Breezy: Hello, Michael.

Michael: Breezy! What’s up, man?

Breezy: Michael, I’m sitting here with Lilly, and she’s one question away from saving Africa. She needs your help. Lilly, your time starts now.

Lilly: Michael, how many countries are in Africa? Is it: a) one; b) two…Michael? …Michael?

Breezy: I think it’s frozen. Damn African line speeds!

Michael: What was the question again?

Lilly: How many countries are in Africa?

Breezy: Not much help, was he?

Lilly: No.

Breezy: Well, Lilly, we’re almost out of time now. If you don’t know the answer, you’re just going to have to guess.

Lilly: Okay. Um… A: 1.

Breezy: Final answer?

Lilly: Yes.

Breezy: Well, Lilly, it looks like you’re going to have to pack your bags. But you’re not going home. You’re going to go and save Africa. That’s the correct answer! Congratulations!

Lilly: Oh my god! I can’t believe it.

Breezy: Well done, Lilly! Well done!

Lilly: I’m going to be a volunteer!

Breezy: Yes you are. You better get going right away! Hurry Lilly! Africa’s not going to save itself!

Lilly: Bye!

Breezy: Join us next week for more African mayhem on Who Wants to Be a Volunteer?

Text: Stereotypes Harm Dignity

Challenge the Perceptions

Volunteer now at RustyRadiator.com

Rusty Radiator Awards 2014

SAIH Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund

Supported by Norad

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SAIH Norway is the solidarity organization of students and academics in Norway. SAIH focuses on education in development cooperation, as well as North/South information and political advocacy in Norway. You can check them out on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @saih.