In Reply to: orphanages, donating, hassling etc posted by Alexje on Sunday, 29. March 2009 at 23:50 Bali Time:
Hi Alexje,
I read your post 3 times before replying, that's how interesting i find it.
Although i disagree with some of the comments made by these two Balinese elders, i appreciate hearing how tourists in holiday mode can be viewed.
As your post is titled 'Orphanages' i'll comment briefly on what they had to say about one orphanage.
(Quote) "They said it takes time to show them around and it is only for the tourist to feel something, there is no benefit for the children apart from disruption." (unquote)
Here i disagree. Some Children's Homes/Orphanages in Indonesia are known for accepting money the children will never have benefit of. Tourists will want to visit to get an idea of what an orphanages needs are and donate according to those needs. This information those tourists will usually pass onto other visitors to Bali so the orphanage will continue to receive support, and the children to benefit from it. The only way the tourist has of donating goods is to take the goods to the orphanage themselves.
Perhaps orphanages who want the money but not the tourist disruption should consider having visiting hours for a couple of hours a week instead of any old day.
Again, thank you for your very interesting post. :)