Respect, Marko.
Respect, Marko.
I am so with those that do not give monetary handouts or buy for the sake of the smile. It so interrupts a way of life that we intrude on. Be it a good or bad idea, I brought some balloons and sidewalk chalk and had a few precious moments of colour and being engaged. I can guarantee you will be more remembered than your 100$ Jamaican and you too will be charmed.
You really shouldn't give anything out at all. It all feeds the problem, whether it's money, candy, chalk, whatever. If you want to do something to help, as others have said, give to the churches or other community groups. Having them "remember you" is precisely what creates the problems that Marko described above.Originally Posted by Carrie
I believe completely opposite and see everyday what the handouts cause...read the linked article below.
Do give money to organisations that help the community...this can warm your heart and any amount of money can help...there is no minimum or maximum in the amounts needed.
Do not give handouts/gifts unless you know the family...not every parent/guardian is pleased with their children getting handouts.
We were all taught as children not to take candy, toys etc from a stranger (stranger danger)...I'm not sure why it would be different here. If I choose to give anything to a child...no different than I would anywhere...I ask the parent/guardian of the child for permission or have the child get permission to be allowed to take it from me.
JojoP (thanks Jojo) found a really, really good article that everyone should read...maybe it'll help with an understanding of why we shouldn't give handouts...
http://www.slate.com/articles/double...n_t_do_it.html
Well now that I'm thoroughly bummed out....
My pens, toys, and school supplies will be going directly to NEET again, and other organizations I find when back in Negril in April. My soccer balls will be going directly to Dr Feelgood's league. I still have gifts for the individuals I have met and gotten to know over the years, as well as some hotel staff, but I won't be handing things out as freely this year.
Jerms,
There is no reason to feel bummed out. By doing as you suggest, you are helping out the children in the best possible way!
Knowledge is power, and although you may not feel the instant gratification you have in the past, you will be able to smile knowing you are supporting the future.
Feel great about that!
Negril.com - For the vacation that never ends!
Hey Jerms,
How about visiting a school.
I did, and they made me Teacher for a Day!!
It was the best 8 hours I ever spent in Jamaica.
You can personally hand out school supplies to the class.
Not beggers, but students, and you can reinforce the value of an education.
They will love you till the stars fall from the sky.
Just wondering what Marko, Rob et al..... feel about this idea.
My comment about being bummed out was more about reading the article on child beggars/human trafficking. I admit to being guilty by handing out pens and such on my last two visits. I brought a few hundred with me each time and although the majority went to NEET, I did give away quite a few on the beach and on the bus ride. The first stop each time on the bus was across the street from a school, so we skipped that first beer and ran over to hand out pens to the students as they were leaving the school. It never occurred to me the potential damage I may be causing.
I'll definitely be more mindful this time around. The staff at Traveller's were great and very appreciative when we donated to them for NEET. The selfish self-gratification part of giving things away is completely irrelevant once I now know of the potential negative effects of it. If anyone knows the best way to contact any nearby schools directly, I'd love to know.
Jerms...I agree...that article is beyond heartwrenching...but incredibly thought provoking.
We have contacts for schools and I'm actually meeting with a school representative today. I would be happy to share contact information...will do this after I meet with them.
If anyone is wanting to visit a school...please set up an appropriate day and time with the school administrators...as school visits can be wonderfully educational for all those involved, but of course, can be very disruptive. I think taking your children to these schools (planned ahead) is an even better experience for all the sweet, little kiddos.
Last edited by Bnewb; 03-20-2017 at 12:39 PM.
We have brought school supplies before and brought them directly to a school. Years ago we used to bring old computer equiptment to a lady who had an internet cafe in the west end and she brought it to a school and used it to teach kids. I agree that handouts justs feeds the problem but i dont think i will ever be able to keep my lady from bringing loads of candy to give out to every kid she sees when we are out and about in jamaica lol.
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