Giving in impoverished areas

[claassenam]

I referred to this in a post on the "Asia" destinations thread (under Vietnam) but thought this might be a good general topic of discussion. As luxury travelers in often impoverished areas, we LL-ers may often stay in the poshest hotels and walk outside to be confronted with the reality of starving people, falling-down shacks and needy, needy children. When I travel, I always want to do something to help - it just seems wrong to do nothing when we so obviously have so much more. But there is definitely a right way to help. What do you recommend?

For example, many times throughout Egypt, India, Peru and China we as tourists were surrounded by groups of needy, begging children who just tug at your heart- and purse-strings. I'll sometimes try to purchase some of the little trinkets they are selling or give them bottles of water or handfuls of the little toiletries and soaps we've picked up at the hotels. But I always know that the money just goes right back to either the parents or some adult or maybe just the biggest kid in the group as there is inevitably some fighting and some tears over the smallest item. There has to be a better way. Also, many times the children - dressed up in local costume and posing for constant photos - are simply displayed for profit to their parents or guardians. That too seems a little wrong although I'm guilty of participating and in the end I hope the money goes to the right place - food and shelter and education for the children. What does everyone think and what do you do in these situations?

For our upcoming trip to Cambodia Cruisinred recommended a wonderful sounding tourguide named Ponheary Ly who has so influenced other visitors that a foundation has been set up in her name to benefit a school she has been helping (with the help of her tourist clients) over the years: www.theplf.org.; It sounds like a great place to donate to help the local children of Siem Reap.

The truth is, we simply can't help everyone and we need to pick and choose our charities wisely. For my husband and I our travels have certainly influenced some of the charities nearest and dearest to our hearts - Heifer International and Free Tibet come to mind - but there is something about being confronted with the needs of the people and children in the moment during our travels that makes me want to give something to those people standing right in front of us as we visit their countries. I know many people have and do travel specifically to volunteer within the countries - I have all the respect for those of you who do this but at this time that's just not in the cards for me but it doesn't mean I don't have a heart and don't want to help. So, please, let me know what you think for us tourists who are living the good life in the poorer countries - what is the best way to give back?

Thanks!

[drhass]

This is a really good topic for the board. Thanks for bringing it up! For any of us who may live in a big city, this is also a concern for the same reasons. When travelling abroad, I've followed some of the same principles I apply here. I tend not to hand out money to those asking for it--it's a personal choice, and one certainly can do it if one wants to, but I don't like doing things that way. I think it's much better to purchase local goods as much as possible, and I like to do it from people who have invested some of their time/talent in creating something. Whether it's eating at a local restaurant, buying local arts and crafts, shopping at a store, purchasing things at a market, buying things from individuals off the street, I like to inject money into the economy that way. It encourages a lot of good things when you do that, and sometimes, you really make some amazing finds. My favorite piece of art is a watercolor painting I purchased off a woman in Vietnam for $1. It's no Picasso, but it's very beautiful and reminds me of my vacation, and I helped the woman out by purchasing from her. Local charities are also good, but if you're looking for an instant gratification, I've found that engaging in local commerce is my preferred way to do it. I'll be curious to hear what others tend to do.

[kyshel]

What a wonderful posting! My husband flies internationally and he tells the story of his first trip to Mumbai. The Taj Hotel is fenced and they "dispense" the guests to waiting hordes of locals (forewarned, etc). A little girl of 6 or 7 years, took his hand, spoke a little English and guided him to some local places to show. He gave her some rupees, knowing that her family must have needed them, but had no idea where the money would actually go and wondering if she would get any for herself
When I went to Egypt, I brought clik pens and chiclets to hand out--very carefully. There were some boys who took from other kids and I yelled at them. They were ashamed and gave them back. Then I gave one to each of them. I don't know if it was right or not, but they seemed contrite. I'm not sure what protocol I would follow anywhere, so I would be grateful for stories from others, too.
I was recently reading a guidebook for Bali that specifically said that if you want to give something to a child, ask the parent first. Sweets are always a treat in third-world areas, and usually cheap. I stock up on trinkets, too--Big Lot Stores are a fave of mine--crayons, little paper pads, etc. Once they're gone, there's room in my bag for buying.
I agree that spending money for tourism is helpful. There are so many worthwhile charities. We sponsor 2 children overseas and the $20 something a month goes so far when it's in a specified program. ThePLF organization sounds wonderful; I bet there are more to be found.
Can't wait to hear more from our community! Thank you both for sharing.

[ferret]

Yes, excellent topic, and something I've given a lot of thought to, but still haven't quite got it right.

I'm kind of an ex-hosteler/budget traveler, who now gets to travel usually for business with most expenses paid.



Just some random notes:



- I don't give out money on the streets, because I think it's unsafe to be digging around for money.



- I'm really not all that comfortable just giving things out to people or even kids. All the issues people already mentioned are part of it, and the feeling of playing God, and the fact thatby doing this it will only create more people begging as it would be considered successful.



- I have left sweetsand fruits from a hotel in Bangkok for a sleeping homeless man, and have told a homeless man in Washington D.C. where I just saw a perfectly good suitcase put out on the curb.



- I always tip the hotel maids very, very well. I find this to be a way of both supporting women, and giving something of a charitable gift, but in a legitimate way. (I tend to not overtip the hotel workers who are usually tipped well - bartenders, waiters - as I'm often shocked that men seem to have monopolized these more lucrative roles in second and third world countries.)



- I had heard in going to Dominican Republic, to take an old suitcase and fill it with hand me down clothes, and give those away. But I couldn't quite picture how to do that, and once I was there I still couldn't picture how I would have gone about doing that.



- I contribute to a charity called Doctors Without Borders, which provides medical professionals and supplies to the most needy areas in the world. This is a perfect charity for a world traveler concerned about these issues of wealth and poverty.



- I admit when travelling I usually don't do anywhere near enough, or what I consider enough, to spread some wealth around. Usually when I get home, I kick myself for not doing enough. Part of the reason islogistical - how exactly do do something? So I'll be looking for other answers here in this thread!

[bonniejoy03]

Claassenam. For our trips to Central America and Caribbean, we ask the staff what is needed. It is typically school supplies. We ask for a list from the staff.We then head to the local Dollar Store and stock up on what is needed (construction paper, pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, puzzles, frisbees, sports equipment.) We then typically "splurge" a little and buy the young ones stuffed animals and the older ones ball caps. They also request used clothing. Before we go, we post at work if anyone has clean clothing for babies up to 12 year olds. WOW. What a response. We do only take a few things of course because of luggage limits. When we arrive at our destination, we go to the school and meet the children. It is great. Other friends of ours bring books to the local schools. They bring both children and adult books.

[bonniejoy03]

Here is a photo of the children in Nicaragua enjoying some of the supplies we bought. Puzzles, coloring books, etc.

[beerman2420]

In Fiji it was made easy as each island village has a Chief, you simply present your "suvu-suvu" or offering to him. If it is money he is happy to discuss what you could have it spent on. I thought that fuel for the one boat used for the children's transportation from their side of the island to the school was a good option but he actually talked about several things that the village could use.



In Zimbabwe I had asked to visit the local schools and clinics. I would guess that there are not more honest, giving people than teachers and nurses so in giving them money or medicine I knew that it would go to good causes and the right people.



It is difficult in the moment to pass people in the street but, if you are giving in the right way it will havea positive impact for everyone in the long run.



I do agree that buying almost anything that locals are selling works too - one of the rules growing up in my house was to "always buy Lemonade from the child's Lemonade stand, even if it didn't taste very good".

[funtimes]

Very nice sentiment and commitment from LL community - We also believe in giving back to the places we visit and in charities Our Charities are also Heifer project and the Smile Train which assists in surgery to correct cleft pallets. We always take clothing to the Carribean to be left behind - we leave a pile of clothing with a DONATION sign on top This is always appreciated as is the tip and food items left with the donation. Local goods - services and crafts are among our favorites as well. We have friends that go to Mongolia every year to work in an orphanage and school I collect donations from manufacturers - trade shows often have "leftovers" that are more costly to ship back than to donate - We fill a container every year that goes at the same time as the volunteers. The container is often filled with constructiontools - home and garden supplies - housewares and especialy seeds for planting. Lastly we give to the local hospice - either money or supplies (sheepskin padsprevent bed sores). Bonneyjoy thanks for the idea of asking what is needed and then getting the supplies - often we forget to just ask. It is a pleasure to be in such an aware travel community ...Funtimes