The impact of volunteer tourism on quality education: a case study of Akokoa, Ghana
Subject
Abstract
Criticisms of volunteer tourism often highlight its commodification and neoliberal framing, which can undermine sustainable livelihood outcomes in host communities. This study investigates the collaborative roles of key stakeholders, including Projects Abroad, the Akokoa community, international volunteers, and two social enterprises (Projects Abroad Foundation and Tore Eikelands), in a small rural farming community in Ghana's Eastern Region. Using the Sustainable Livelihood Framework for Volunteer Tourism (Eddins & Cottrell, 2014), this qualitative case study examines how volunteer tourism impacts access to quality elementary education. Reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 stakeholders reveals the initiative’s success in expanding educational opportunities, benefitting over 300 previously out-of-school children. The findings highlight volunteer tourism’s potential to address systemic educational inequities while fostering cross-cultural exchange and community resilience. However, challenges such as dependency on external support, limited local participation in decision-making, and concerns about long-term sustainability persist. These findings underscore the need for locally driven strategies to complement international volunteering-led efforts. By aligning volunteer projects with local livelihood priorities and sustainability goals, this study contributes to the broader understanding of volunteer tourism as a tool for advancing quality education and sustainable livelihood outcomes in underserved communities.