The Harder Side of Travel
Last May when I was in Cambodia there were a lot of things I struggled with. On the grounds of Angkor Wat young kids were instantly drawn to us – not to meet us as foreigners, but to sell us stuff. Hey, lady, you want to buy _____? Somewhat cute at first, it quickly became heartbreaking. Do I buy another piece of cheap touristy crap that I don’t need to “support” this kid? Or do I walk away and completely ignore this child? And if I do help, how am I actually helping? 
It wasn’t until we arrived in Phnom Penh a few days later that I saw that there were better options. All my guilt from not buying something from everyone I encountered was put at ease when we visited Friends, a wonderful organization working directly with kids from the streets and their communities, and teaching them valuable skills to help them succeed in life. We visited the restaurant and shop. It felt so good eating the delicious food (cookbook info here) the teenage “students” had prepared and served us, purchasing a “brick” with my name to support their programs (click here if you want to help), and buying quality, hand-made souvenirs in the shop that had a deeper meaning and a story behind them. We even returned two more times during our visit because we couldn’t get enough (and they had great smoothies too).
Lil' Boozie
October 16, 2008 at 3:14 pm //
Hi Anne-
Kiva sounds really interesting, I’ll be sure to check it out. You might be interested in learning about a similar cause, Nest. It’s a non profit organization that focuses on supporting female artists & artisans in developing countries by providing them with the materials/supplies they need to sustain entrepreneurial businesses.
Best,
Suz
Prêt à Voyager
October 16, 2008 at 3:16 pm //
Great tip, Suz! Thank you!!
Anne
Heatheronhertravels
October 17, 2008 at 10:43 am //
Yes, it’s the same in India – so many people need your help and never quite sure what’s the best thing to do.
Rather than getting into a state of paralysis and indecision I think it’s better to just do something in a way you feel comfortable with, knowing that the something will make a difference to someone, if not everyone.
See my post on sponsoring a child in India
http://heatheronhertravels.blogspot.com/2008/10/friday-photo-my-indian-sponsor-child.html
Maryam in Marrakesh
October 17, 2008 at 11:52 am //
Yes, KIVA is awesome!
Lil' Boozie
October 17, 2008 at 7:51 pm //
I just learned myself up on KIVA, and gave it a little posting love on my blog :).
I thought that it might be nice to highlight globally involved non profits once per week, just to get some established and esteemed mission deeper out to the masses. Perhaps it’s something a few of us could consider doing, so that the chances of effectively spreading awareness can be increased?
Best,
Suz
bellouccello
October 18, 2008 at 7:13 pm //
This is a beautiful post. I often wonder the same thing. There is an organization called “word made flesh’ that I love – does essentially the same thing with kids in Romania and other countries. It’s good to know that there are ways to help that aren’t so unsure. Thanks for this post!
paintandink
October 18, 2008 at 7:50 pm //
What a great idea for a gift.
I had a difficult time in Cambodia, too, not so much with the children selling things, because we didn’t see too many of them, but with the children begging. The sheer volume of the crowds of children who came asking for money was so high that it took the option out of even wondering if I should give them money — it was impossible — there were hundreds of them. I felt completely at a loss.
Fida
October 20, 2008 at 7:47 pm //
Wonderful post. For me, that’s the hardest part of traveling – meeting so many begging children! To find out about local charities and support them is a great way to make a difference.