Winners 2013 World Responsible Tourism Awards for Campaigning Finalists Best for Child Protection 2013 Winners Best Volunteering Organisation 2009

Child Protection: our Responsibility?

better child protection

“ It’s a time for change – absolutely it’s a time for change – we have to start questioning how and what we are selling as the volunteer experience it creates a shared humanity or it destroys the more vulnerable. Paul Miedema – Calabash Tours, South Africa

better child protection to change we must

better child protection people and places has learnt to be careful about the message it’s not just about paedophilia good intentions are not enough child labour is complex there are bad people out there we need to work together doing the right thing doesn’t always feel right if you can’t do it in your own country …

better child protection be careful about the message: children are not tourist attractions children should not be “packaged” photos of cute kids are not helping what people and places has learnt: “working with children” - that was never our intention

better child protection be careful about the message

better child protection HIGH SCHOOL change”

better child protection it’s not just about paedophilia children have rights: a child has a right to be safe a child has the right to be protected from the damage of inappropriate bonding a child has a right to the better quality of life offered by a “family” environment what people and places learnt: orphanages “sell” better than “family” – there’s a lot of education to be done

better child protection good intentions are not enough We must : have policies in place educate ourselves & those who have contact with children be brave work in partnerships be self critical what people and places has learnt: where’s the child labour policy!

better child protection good intentions are not enough “The ultimate measure of responsible business” a management tool, performance ranking & internet platform proving responsibility credentials, not just making claims enabling business to balance its pursuit of profit with the interests of society

better child protection child labour is complex a child selling a mango may not be getting an education a child working 6 hours a day in the fields may be getting an education a child will miss class to welcome you to their school a child dancing with a smile may be a slave a child may only gain an education through domestic service what people and places has learnt: everywhere we work, children work – context is all

better child protection there are bad people out there Some simple rules : due diligence is more important than ever just because we want to do good doesn’t mean that others do the bad guys are clever what people and places has learnt: codes direct us and protect those we work with

better child protection we need to work together

better child protection What people and places has learnt * doing the right thing doesn’t always feel right

better child protection if you cant do it in your country - is it OK to do it in someone else’s country and the $1 million question

better child protection Child Protection is our Responsibility

better child protection resource list Child Protection Policy Child Labour Policy Responsible Travel Orphanage guidelines WTM 2012 – Tourism & Child Protection WTM 2012 – Responsible Volunteering WTM 2013 – Taking Responsibility for Volunteering WTM 2013 –where now for child protection