Should I Give Money to a Begging Child When Traveling?Traveling is a privilege that allows us to experience some of the most beautiful cultures in different places. While we marvel at the beauty around us, there is no denying that there is plenty of ugliness in the world too.
A trip to some of the third and developing countries usually opens our eyes and hearts to this vast divide. This contrast is even more apparent in the busy streets flooded with begging kids from the slums. Also, the quality of living in some remote tourist destinations is dire, and overlooking a begging child on the streets is hard. They tug a string in the heart, and it is uncomfortable to ignore.
We feel obligated to do our bit of charity and hand them money for a meal or offer some help. But you should never give money to a begging child when traveling. Did you know that by doing so, you could unintentionally cause them more harm than help? We’ll tell you why.
Why you shouldn’t give money to begging children while traveling
Increases a cycle of begging and poverty
Since children are easily influenced by what they see, a successful begging episode will surely encourage another to try the same. And if the child is begging productively, poverty-stricken and uneducated parents can take advantage of that. Instead of striving to get the child out of the cycle, he could be forced into this undignified trade.
Prevents them from going to school
Now, if you see a begging child, know that other travelers feel the same sympathy to give them money. When kids are earning well by begging, parents don’t find the need to send them to school. Your good intentions to help could add to their daily income, and you could be indirectly responsible for putting the child out of school.
Turns tourisms into a transaction
The worst thing a human can do to another is dehumanizing them into objects. When you see these kids begging in the streets, they turn into charity boxes while they see you as a walking dollar bill. It’s harsh, but the obligation and the expectation takes away the real joy of goodwill giving and receiving. The whole process turns into an undignified transaction.
Providing drug money
Keep in mind that not all the begging kids you see are truly struggling with life. Some are just begging for a side-income, and while it is unimaginable, it is true that some of these kids are up to no good. They often pick up bad habits and anti-social addiction, duping others, or, worse, drugs. Handing the money directly without genuinely knowing their intentions and stories only makes it easier for them to access these drugs.
Imbalances Local Community
These kids often live in a community with other kids in poverty. Handing out money to a few only creates more divide within these communities because some receive more than the others. This could lead to bullying and discrimination, even in their little circle.
Encourages Begging Mafias
We’ve seen in movies like Slumdog Millionaire and read in books like “Behind the Beautiful Forevers” that begging Mafias do exist. The exploitation of children by kidnapping, maiming, and worsening their conditions to earn more sympathy is prevalent, and travelers should be aware of it. The exploiters are often lurking around, watching, and keeping track of them. Most of the time, these kids won’t even receive half of what they earned while the mafias loot them.
They get trapped in this cycle, and by giving them easy money, you make it harder for them to run free.
Increases unforeseen dangers and harm
Begging children on the streets often put themselves at high risks from harm. While some entertain us for money, others go through great risks to earn their “spot.” Some children cross the roads, and railway tracks unsupervised or even climb up or reach out to moving vehicles’ windows. If risking their lives this way brings reward, they will continue to put themselves in risky situations.
How to help the begging children
Some kids genuinely deserve and need our help, and we can make a difference in their lives by doing so responsibly.
So if your heart ever feels compelled to give money to help these begging kids when traveling, here is what you can do to benefit them truly:
Engage with them
Most of these kids need someone to share their stories as much as education, food, and shelter. So instead of blindly handing out money, take time to interact. Ask about their parents, home, and why they are in this situation. If they are very young, make sure you talk to them according to their mental age to be more open and comfortable.
Of course, you cannot be gullible and believe every sob story that each one tells. But someone will surely need that engagement more than the money. A little interaction will teach you more about the right thing to do than to hand out cash.
Seek and give directly to organizations
This step takes a little more effort and dedication, but when you genuinely want to help a begging child, it’s always worth the time. Seek organizations around the area that imparts long-term values for these kids like education, developing skills, and providing self-relying opportunities.
If you expect an encounter with begging children in the place you are traveling, do a little research, and seek reliable organizations ahead.
Ask what they need and not what you think they need. When you see these children, tell them about the place and where they can seek help. If not, invest in a meal instead of handing out the cash. Some of these kids might not want to be with these organizations, so you allow them to make a choice.
Preserve their humanity
Whether in interactions with them, handing out supplies, or taking photographs, do not forget that they are humans. No matter how young, they feel love, sadness, insults, and embarrassment like everyone else. So no matter how challenging, speak to them with respect and dignity to empathize. They might be resilient in their approach to gain sympathy for money, but they are more fragile psychologically.
Should I Give Money to a Begging Child When Traveling?
Thank you for takign the time to read this article, I hope it helps you lookat traveling a bit different.
- What are your thoughts on this topic?
- How do you feel when asked for money?
- How do you resond?
Thank you for keeping an open mind.
Much love
