Breaking the White Saviour Cycle: Redefining Volunteering Abroad for Lasting Impact
In 2022, as the world emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, Chloe embarked on a daring venture in Nosy Be, Madagascar. Inspired by her 2019 visit and armed with knowledge about the pitfalls of voluntourism, she launched an impact travel company alongside fellow graduates. Her mission was to redefine volunteering abroad, moving away from the "white savior" narrative highlighted in documentaries like "The Last Tourist" (on YouTube and Amazon Prime).
Chloe's approach centered on empowering local communities. When a former student expressed the need for English lessons, she hired local staff to teach, ensuring sustainability even in her absence. This strategy proved successful, with local educators bridging cultural gaps more effectively than foreign volunteers. In 2023, Chloe's best friend Gladis, a former student, joined the initiative.
Gladis teaching in Hell-Ville
Historically, the novelty of a native speaker often drew students to the class, and attendance fluctuated with the comings and goings of foreign teachers. This time, however, with Gladis at the helm, the class saw steady attendance and significant improvements in students' English skills.
TSAP Travel's innovative model revealed a crucial insight: local communities thrive with financial support, education, and confidence in their potential, rather than constant foreign presence. This aligns with Hannah Ward's TEDx talk on the problems of voluntourism[2]. By prioritizing deep, meaningful engagement and empowering local staff, the initiative has shifted away from traditional volunteering models, embracing sustainable development and fostering genuine, lasting change in the community.
Hell-Ville Students
TSAP Travel continues to invite changemakers to visit and contribute to the community in Madagascar, but with a refined focus. Now, visiting volunteers support local teachers and help ensure the delivery of high-quality education. The primary focus at TSAP Travel is on empowering local staff, enabling them to better support their students. Unlike many organizations, TSAP prioritizes deep, meaningful engagement with a smaller community segment, fostering sustainable, long-term impact.
TSAP Travel 2022 team
Chloe's journey is a powerful testament to the impact of thoughtful, ethical engagement. It serves as a reminder that real change comes not from imposing our presence, but from empowering those who live the reality every day. The heartfelt stories of local teachers and students illustrate a future where communities thrive on their own terms, supported by those who truly understand and respect their journey.