Volunteers interacting with the children
Volunteers interacting with the children
Dr Konstantinos Tomazos of the Department of Management spent two weeks this summer working with and interviewing volunteers at an orphanage in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.
This study, supported by the University of Strathclyde, is part of a bigger study into the phenomenon of volunteer tourism in collaboration with Dr William Cooper and Professor Richard Butler of Strathclyde.
The orphanage, Santa Esperanza, was established in 2001 with the initial funding coming from various sources but mainly from local stakeholders.
Dr Tomazos says, "From this small beginning the orphanage managed to secure support from American child charities which, according to the management of the orphanage, provide $4,000 monthly for the running of the orphanage. This provides invaluable support for the institution as they are not able to count on substantial central or local government support for their operational costs."
He goes on, "The vast majority of children at the orphanage are local and have been left there by their parents. According to the director of the orphanage, this is not uncommon in this area due to the need of local people to seek employment elsewhere.
"The orphanage is run with great skill, experience and balance by two very capable ladies but the volunteers are very much appreciated. The director of the orphanage has asked us to raise awareness of the needs of the orphanage, and also to try and promote the idea of volunteering next summer among Strathclyde students."
If any student is interested in volunteering work at the orphanage, the website can be found here or contact Dr Tomazos for further information: