I was walking around the beach of SihanoukVille, a place that in recent years became a big destination for international tourists in the South coast of Cambodia, and I found a very interesting flyer.
Its content was about the huge problem that exists in the country about children and kids who are on the streets, in the temples of Angkor or on the beaches, selling and begging.
A problem that unfortunately is not present only here in Cambodia, but that touches many other areas of the world where we often go to visit as travelers or as tourists without having any idea how to behave towards young people who live in the street.
Often, thinking of doing good, we end up causing even more damage, perpetuating the drama that goes to mess up who knows how many thousands of lives. Resisting a child’s imploring glance is difficult, but it must be remembered that it is precisely for this reason that someone send them on the streets to collect money.
This is what was written in the flyer…
- Giving money and presents to children is not the best way to help them.
This encourages young people to stay in the streets or on the beaches, putting them at risk of innumerable dangers of abuse.
In addition, giving money makes the work of various aid organizations much more difficult when they are trying to encourage children to go to school and find safe sources of income for their families. - Selling on the street or at the beaches is not a source of income that lasts forever.
The roads and the beaches are not safe places during the night.
Do not encourage children to stay out overnight and buy them food or drink after dark. - If you see a child in distress or danger, do not face the problem alone.
It is more effective to call some local social worker, who understands and is used to working on these cases.
Contact the local police, the local hospital or look for a local defense association. - Beware of the danger of “orphanages tourism”.
Be aware that these centers are not tourist attractions.
Orphanages that leave foreigners with the possibility of direct contact with children without proper supervision put children at risk of abuse and exploitation and do not respect their private life and their dignity. - Support local associations that offer education and opportunities to find a job that is not dangerous for families.
- Purchase local products made by parents or young people who are attending local training courses.
In many countries it is possible to buy products made by parents or young people who are attending training courses that guarantee them a regular income and a better future.
For more info: Childsafe International
The best thing you can do without causing any kind of damage is to give them your time!
