community ” for vulnerable children in orphanages ( Childcare Volunteering in Kenya , 2010-2021 ). While qualifications or experience with working with vulnerable children are welcome , they are not a prerequisite ( Volunteer in Kenya , p . 11 ). As one of the cheapest programmes on the market , Agape only charges a programme fee , however , flights , visa and vaccinations are not included ( Volunteer in Kenya , p . 16 ). As a non-profit registered charity , Agape reinvests all programme fee surplus into local projects supported by the organisation ( Volunteer in Kenya , p . 17 ). This does not include optional adventures offered to volunteers at extra charge ( Childcare Volunteering in Kenya , 2010-2021 ).
The Agape programme induces empathy especially in young people , encouraging them to “ make a BIG difference to the lives of dozens of vulnerable children ” ( Childcare Volunteering in Kenya , 2010- 2021 ). Using emotionally charged words such as “ overworked local staff ”, “ vulnerable ”, “ at-risk ”, or
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“ stretched resources ”, Agape claims to enable volunteers from first world countries to create positive change for ‘ underdeveloped ’ communities ( ibid .). As a non-profit low-cost charity , Agape appears to lead by example . Helping the global south is combined with the pleasures of sightseeing and adventures , which volunteers can purchase directly from Agape , as mentioned earlier . Although this approach appears to help others while enjoying vacations abroad , international volunteering inevitably also has its dark sides . Over the course of this essay , I will argue that the Agape programme exemplifies the Eurocentric capitalist systems of superiority and self-centeredness , while harming institutionalised children . Within the context of this essay topic , this harm can most clearly be defined as limiting access to social and cultural capital . Social capital for the purpose of this essay refers to relationships and networks with family and community which are of value to children over the course of their development ( Ucembe , 2013 , p . 3 ). Similarly , cultural capital represents