The dark side of voluntourism: why development work needs to prioritize local leadership

Even if you haven’t yet heard the term ‘voluntourism,’ you almost certainly are familiar with the phenomenon it refers to. Its imagery and advertising are everywhere – resume-building, perspective-changing opportunities to build a well/teach English/help at an orphanage somewhere in the global South, for a price. Such a combination of volunteering and tourism appeals to … Continue reading The dark side of voluntourism: why development work needs to prioritize local leadership

Schooling the World: Should we be Exporting “Western Education”?

By Antonia McGrath A group of International Development Masters students at the University of Amsterdam recently organized a film screening and panel discussion event featuring the film ‘Schooling the World: The White Man’s Last Burden.’ This was part of a course on Education, Development and Social Justice, and as one of educate.’s directors, I was … Continue reading Schooling the World: Should we be Exporting “Western Education”?