The short answer
It is kinder not to hand out sweets, pens or money to children on the road. It can encourage children to ask visitors instead of attending school, and sweets can harm teeth where dental care is limited. A smile, a greeting and some conversation are lovely on their own.
If you want to help, give through a reputable school or community organisation, or ask your operator or guide how to support a local project. Buy from local shops and craftspeople, and choose operators who pay fair wages.
Key facts
- Instead of sweets
- A smile and a greeting
- To help
- Give through a school or organisation
- Also
- Buy local, choose fair operators
- Ask
- Your guide about local needs
How it works
- Greet children kindlySmile and say namaste.
- Skip handoutsSweets, pens and money.
- Ask your guide about local projectsSupport through them.
- Buy localCraft, food and services.
Insider tip
Ask your guide which local project could use support.
Avoid this
Do not hand out money, sweets or pens on the trail.
Related questions
What about donating pens to a school?
Give them through the school office or a reputable group.
Can I give to beggars?
Better to support local organisations than give directly.
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