Any of you who have traveled through Asia may have encountered, on more than one occasion, children trying to sell postcards or any other type of souvenir. They put all their effort into being as moving as possible to achieve their goal: for you to reach into your pocket and pull out a few dollars. That child flashes a smile and skips away with joy. You feel truly good. You have done a great deed and have resolved that child’s future and possibly that of their entire family. You could not be more wrong.
I am writing this post to try to raise awareness about something that, to this day, remains a problem: child exploitation.
What is the origin of this situation in Asia?
It is understandable that it is difficult to say no to the innocent gaze of a child, but if we understand what is actually happening, perhaps we can improve the situation.
Children in some Southeast Asian countries (not all, of course) are used as a tool for “pity” so that tourists will buy a souvenir from them or simply give money selflessly. You might think: “for one dollar, you help them a little so they can study and have a future.” This is not the case at all. Nothing could be further from the truth. With that money, we are only feeding the mafias that exploit them.
Let’s help street children with the Think Twice campaign!
A campaign to help street children in Cambodia, Think Twice, under the slogan “let the parents earn, let the children learn” (something like “let the parents earn a living, let the children learn”) has been working on this issue for some time, raising awareness among the population, and thanks to this, the number of children enrolled in school has increased significantly. Even so, much work remains to be done. Thanks to them, you can find numerous posters, stickers, and banners in most establishments calling for a fair future for the country’s children.
From here, we join the initiative and congratulate all its members for the great work they are performing.
Given the problem this poses for the future of these children, we must take note and act accordingly.
Please, do not buy from or give money to children. If you wish to help, it is recommended to give them school supplies or provide a donation directly to any of the NGOs working on this.
When that child approaches you selling postcards at the entrance of a temple with a penetrating gaze, or that girl offers you flowers at night speaking a few words in your own language, do not feel guilty for not giving them money. You are doing them a favor that they surely do not understand now but will certainly value in the future.
It is more important than it seems.
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