Kenya Safari - Gifts for Children?

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tharg
tharg

Hi,

The darling wife and I will be going on safari in Kenya over Christmas. The trip involves a visit or two to some local villages (Samburu and in the Masai Mara) and we were wondering what whether or not we should take some gifts for the local children. We hear that many visitors do this but aren't sure if this is expected or not.

We obviously wouldn't be giving out sweets and such like or money, but would pens, pencils, paper etc. be a good thing or would it help encourage begging? We just want to do the right thing and aren't really sure at the moment.

We were thinking a donation to a charity that works in the area might be a better bet.

Any suggestions on this subject would be appreciated.

Thanks

Tharg and Mrs Tharg

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stokeygirl
stokeygirl

I think the best way to give without encouraging begging is to give the gifts to a teacher or other adult in authority rather than directly to the kids.

A lot of people take pens, so maybe take something else that might be useful for a school like calculators or a dictionary, maybe even an English-Swahili one if you can get hold of one.

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christine20
christine20

It is good that you are concerned about local children, I would not prefer you take them sweets, after all, sweets will spoil their teeth, Pen, pencil, books are a good idea, but if you can, just take some clothes with you, I think they will really appreciate.

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fulana
fulana

Be responsible tourists, your actions have a social footstep.

No presents whatever for kids, donate useful items only through an institution (eg school).

Unless of course you want to contribute for kids dropping out of schools, started begging and hanging around tourists.

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tharg
tharg

This is why we asked the question. We wanted other peoples opinions on giving out stuff locally.

Not sure if it will be possible to contribute to a local institution so I think we'll make a donation to a charity operating in the area.

Thanks again for the thoughts.

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darkangelme
darkangelme

Best to give the stationery to teh Headman or chief of the particular village. They will distribute the presemts accordingly, and you are assured of not having 100 children crowding around you, which is very embarassing, and chaotic. You dont have to go throuh a local charity organization for such. As someone suggested, you could throw in a few clothes too. Will be much appreciated, take it from Kenyan who has done that before!

PS - Very thoughtful of you, be blessed!

DA

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safarisafrica
safarisafrica

Since it comes from the bottom of your heart fell free to give anyone you like,they will even enjoy when you give them directly,you will give them a laugh for X-mas.Enjoy your vacation.+254 0724 961 220.

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hello_bamboo
hello_bamboo

completely agree with Fulana and some of the others- do NOT give directly to children or you will condition them to become beggars and harass tourists

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rec
rec

Helping the needy is the best thing ever,whatever you can afford will be of great help eg clothes,books ie storybooks pens and books.All the best.

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