PRESENTS FOR KIDS?

A common question. I am firmly in the "please don't do it" camp. It makes beggars of the kids. You may never have been hounded by hordes of kids yelling "Pen! pen!" or "bonbon!" or "give me something." It can be a horrible experience. That's what happens when they discover that those apparently rich visitors will hand out gifts. Older kids will grab the gifts away from younger kids or even beat up the younger kids for the gifts.

Some things can be dangerous. Kids who are unfamiliar with balloons may choke on the balloon or the pieces after it pops.

There are better ways. Bring pens, paper, and other supplies and give them to a teacher or headmaster at a school. Bring football/soccer balls or other toys and give them to an adult--the head of a family, a village elder, that headmaster. Entertain the kids. I learned a couple of easy magic tricks. You can bring those bubbles and blow them yourself, but don't give them to the kids. Take a picture of the kids with your digital camera and show it to them.

Thanks Nutrax, you've been very helpful.

There are pens available for purchase in every low level street shack, from every bus station hawker, in any shop you can imagine. They've got pens coming out their ears. It's the money to buy them that is lacking. But still... year after year people dole out the blo0dy pens...

Play with the kids. I agree with nutrax. Often they lack attention; material things are secondary.

Okay kayonza, I'll play with the kids! Sounds good to me. I am a puppeteer, shall I take one to amuse them?

Absolutely!! That sounds ideal.

Don't buy/give anything (cheap/expensive, useful/useless) to kids, do not teach them that by hanging around tourists they will get nice/any things. Would you like strangers to dish out food or items to your own kids?

However, puppeteering sounds great, definitely take a puppet with you, hopefully it could also serve as an inspiration to somebody you meet. I bet you will be such a success the kids will hardly let you to continue travelling....

Hi all, thanks so much. Why do the kids crave attention and love? Don't they get it at home? I will pack a puppet in my luggage now. Did the same in the Dominican Repuplic, think it must be a similar situation there. Have decided not to give out anything at all, apart from entertainment!

Excellent conclusion - I indeed agree!
Mike

That sound like an excellent idea. Parents may not have time for their children as they are both working to make ends meet. Please make sure you keep yourself safe while you do this - wear no jewellery, carry as little money on you as you can and don't take your mobile. Some children are adept at pickpocketing - but this is a way of life for the urban poor.