Handmade fleece pillowcases given to kids in Kenya (photo: Boyznberry)

I happened to notice a blog post by an aid worker in Ethiopia that recommended that you NOT bring gifts for kids when you visit him. Rather, he suggests, you should make a donation to Save the Children or another charity working there. I think I understand where he’s coming from. He likely realizes that resources are extremely scarce, for instance the space in your luggage is quite limited, yet the social challenges we face in Africa are tremendous. This makes people want to economize, optimize, and maximize! People want to squeeze out every last drop of value and see that every last bit of space is purposeful. However, I cannot agree that someone traveling to Africa, or Ethiopia, shouldn’t bring gifts for children. In fact, I would think that would be one of the most important things.

The reason is simple. Unlike in the U.S. or the U.K. it is probably quite difficult to find a shop that sells toys. You’re more likely to find a bookstore or shoe store than a toy store. The local economies in Africa are already resource scarce and therefore have already economized, optimized away most toys from the market. In these places it is not uncommon to see older siblings becoming the de facto parents. But we cannot forget they too are still children and need to play. There are things that are more essential than playing, but we have to recognize that playing is itself essential.

Giving gifts and toys to children is a cultural extension of who you are. When someone gives a small toy or gift to a child they are sharing part of their joy as child, part of what they like and want to share. Giving a small gift to kids is not a substitute for a donation to a charity. They needn’t be mutually exclusive events, you can and should do both. And there’s nothing stopping you.

One of my best days in Nairobi was when I was walking back home after checking my email. Along the way I bought a Kit-Kat and as walking a young girl - I would guess about 7 years old - starts following me. Smiling, her hand is out begging. We walk and now my hand is out asking her for something. Then she puts a balled up slice of bread in my hand and I reach in my shirt pocket and give her the Kit-Kat. She smiles and runs off.

Now that was an exchange that made my day. I learned what she eats throughout the day, just a balled up piece of white bread. So that’s what I ate throughout that day. And she got to enjoy what I enjoy - Candy!

Now do I think made a lasting impact in the girl’s life? No. Do I think I ’saved a life’? No. But, I do think I made her day. She made mine. And I think if you have an opportunity to do that you definitely should.

And the giving of that gift did not take away from my giving to international charities.