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Kids everywhere are so cute and they all love candy, so Nepali kids are no surprise. Many tourists enjoy bringing candy for the kids they meet along the way. Should we do it? Seldom, if ever, is this a good idea. Here's why:
1. Nepali, and children from other developing nations tend to only brush their teeth one time a day. Many families find themselves without money for such things as tooth brushes. Candy is acidic and will stay on their teeth a long time. They also seldom go to the dentist, so that chocolate/candy will eventually cause a lot of pain and the tooth will most likely be pulled, not repaired.
2. If you are a mother you will understand why you wouldn't want strangers feeding your children. You could ruin the mother's night with a child who wouldn't eat dinner but cries all night from hunger.
3. Teaching children that it's OK to take from anyone can cause a problem with boundaries. People in Nepal see tourists as superhuman, rich and so mysterious. It is best to help them understand we are just human. We are not gods seeking to dole out a random blessing.
4. Our children are so cute and it's nice to engage in conversation, but if you give money or candy you are encouraging them into a life of begging.
5. Child Trafficking is a thing here in Nepal. I wonder how many children have been lured into the sex trade because they asked a stranger for chocolate.
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| When you see places like this with children living there it's hard not to do something to help. |
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| Hospitals are also good places to bring clothing for donating. |
What to do instead?
What if you just talk with the child? Teach them a word or phrase. Ask them about their village, how to say a particular word in Nepali or even take them to lunch with you if they seriously look hungry. Although I haven't done it for a very long time, I love to share a meal with a street kid. They almost always want mo:mo, so you don't need to worry about a big cost.
What I'm trying to convey is if you must, if you really feel compelled to share your wealth with children please give something other than candy or money. Take a pen or pencil out of your bag and give it to the child. They will seldom refuse a pen. Pens and pencils can be found all over for about 10 rupees or less. Never take new pens or pencils still wrapped in packaging, to prevent returning it for a partial refund.
Often, especially if you give them a pen, the child may ask for a book. DO NOT fall for this. They will take you to the stationary store for you to buy a $12 dictionary. There are cheaper dictionaries, but they want the hardcover Webster's Dictionary and will only return it 10 minutes later for a partial refund. If you must buy them a book be sure to take it out of the wrap and write their name in it. Or, better yet, open it and act like you are going to write in it and look at their face as they think of a reason to get you to stop ruining it. Then walk away.
It's a great idea to bring some used books from home if you are from a country like the US. Used books can be found in some countries for cheap or even free. Just ask a library, school or friend for a donation. If you'd like a letter for extra luggage we are happy to write one for you under our registered agency (contact: FrugalTravelsNepal@gmail.com). You don't even need to give us the books or warm, used clothing. If you are going trekking you can just give to people along the way. We just love to be a small part of helping.
Follow along with us on our Youtube channel where you will find a lot of tips and tricks to help you on your next trip to Nepal. Here's one about finding a clean toilet in kathmandu. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pBo9zUlv5Y&t=190s
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