Some months ago I asked if it was ok to take some crayons paper etc for the children over in Kenya. On thinking it a bit more I decided to do something different as the weight of the crayons was quite heavy and I know quite a few people do that. My latest idea, which might seem odd to you was to take lots of childrens purses as they are light to take and I was hoping to put coins in them. I dont suppose British coins would be much good to them but if I could change notes into small coins at least they would be able to buy something with it.

Please be honest with me as I would rather take something useful than things that wont be any good. I look foward to any ideas.

Thanks and regards Ollie

Sue Southampton

Hi Sue

It's very kind of you to think of the children you meet. That sounds like a lovely idea and I'm sure the purses would be appreciated, especially with a few coins inside!

Other Community users might have some ideas for you too - I know Nixon has been to Kenya.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

Sue......

Awe bless you this is a very good and kind idea... can I just say if your going to the Aids Orphanage I went to, anything and every thing has to be handed over to let's say a matron in charge, MONEY!!! has to be well documented and they will issue you with a receipt.

All the STUFF that us ladies collected and took to the orphanage we did not hand out to the children it was put into a store/stock room to be handed out when needed. Our STUFF was of the arts and craft side of things, and toiletries.

So I don't know how this will come across to you, I think what your thinking of is a very good idea. How you go about this I am not sure. You might have to go with handing the money over and trusting it will end up in the purses.You must do what your heart tells you to do Sue.

I am not sure I have helped with this reply, I hope I have. If you have any more questions etc please ask and I shall try and answer.

Cindy

Hi Sue

I hope you won't mind me adding my thoughts as I've just returned from South Africa and Zambia add on.

When I was in SA we visited a township orphanage. We left pens, crayons etc, but were told these would go to the owner and it would be up to her where she distributed them. We came away thinking we had wasted our time as there was no guarantee the children at that particular orphanage would receive our gifts or where they would end up. On another outing, I saw several signs up saying children should not be given money as there was no guarantee it would be used appropriately. In Swaziland, the children on the road asked for food.

So, in principle I think what you want to do is admirable, I would think long and hard about it. A purse and a little hair band or toy or something may be better.

These are my thoughts and experiences and I do not expect everyone to agree with me, but I hope it helps.

Regards

Sylvia

Hi I did the S Africa and Vic Falls add on last year and we had two opportunities to meet with children and give them some bits and pieces - we gave them to their teacher, to ensure that they were evenly and appropriately distributed. One lady brought some tennis balls, which was a brilliant idea and the children loved them! We also did the same in India and gave them to the teacher. I gave black biros, some gave other pencils, pens etc and toileteries from the hotels. The children we met on the roads in India greeted us with, "hello, pen?" so it seems they do like to get them. Hope that helps. It didn't seem condescending or patronising at all and by giving them to the teacher it ensures that the most dominant personalities don't get all the goodies, that they are shared instead!

Best wishes,

Bob