Beyond Good Intentions: Critiquing Volunteerism in Continental Africa
It’s a common occurrence to witness people, both young and old, with noble intentions traveling to continental Africa through non-profits or government agencies, eager to volunteer and support communities in need. Government programs such as the Peace Corps actively encourage volunteering in the Global South. While the intentions behind these programs are generally positive, there are instances where the legitimacy of both the programs and the individuals participating in them is questionable.
When I lived in Georgia, my unemployed roommate expressed a desire to travel to Africa for volunteer work. Like many Americans, his perception treats continental Africa as a single, unified country. When I probed about his plans for the people he hoped to serve, he appeared uncertain. However, he reiterated a wish to work with a faith-based organization serving impoverished communities. This left me pondering what a 25-year-old, dependent on unemployment benefits, lacking any previous volunteer experience, and possessing no basic knowledge of Africa beyond the online fundraising ads, could contribute to the African people.
Granted, Africa does require expertise, volunteers, and charitable support to fortify essential systems like healthcare and education. While these contributions are vital for the continent to not only survive but also thrive, we must question what unique contributions individuals like my roommate can bring that an average African cannot. Is he aware that many African countries have unemployed yet educated young people seeking opportunities to utilize their skills and passion? Does he understand that most Kenyans his age hold college degrees? What value does a high school diploma holder from America bring to a village in Rwanda that a Rwandan college graduate cannot?
Regrettably, this situation extends beyond my former roommate; millions from developed countries travel annually to continental Africa for volunteering or charity work. Many of them assume roles easily filled by local counterparts without any unique expertise. Their decision often stems from a savior complex, an elusive syndrome. They believe they can save impoverished African children while wearing airpods and volunteering as data entry clerks in faith-based charities in places like Kampala.
Unchecked, individuals with this savior complex perpetuate a superiority mindset.
Upon evaluating my roommate, I fail to identify any desirable qualities or traits that would qualify him for volunteering in Africa. Without a college education, basic knowledge of Africa’s diversity, countries, and the distinct challenges each of the 55 nations faces, he lacks the foundation necessary for effective contributions. Perhaps a more suitable starting point for his volunteering journey would be local nonprofits addressing challenges within his community, such as the opioid crisis, homelessness, mental health, and mass shootings.
Once he accrues knowledge from working in the nonprofit sector and contributes to his community’s betterment, he can then contemplate extending his efforts to the international stage. Otherwise, he risks embodying the typical egotistical savior seeking personal satisfaction rather than engaging in genuine community service.
Unchecked, individuals with this savior complex perpetuate a superiority mindset, influencing their leaders and future generations to view themselves as better equipped to solve challenges than those directly experiencing them. Africans, with their unique understanding of their problems, are best suited to address them given adequate resources and training. As the youngest continent, Africa does not face a shortage of human resources; hence, hosting these saviors is unnecessary.
