Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The cost of caring for the orphans and abandoned children who end up at Akany
Avokoisveryhighandthecentreisalwaysshortofmoney.Theyarealwaysdelighted
to welcome visitors who can take a tour of the centre before visiting the on-site shop
or café. Please phone or email ahead to arrange a visit - you won't regret it.
BP29 Ambohidratrimo 105, Madagascar; 22 441 58. Ken and Lorna Gillespie:
blog:
In developing countries tourism has had profound effects on the inhabitants, some good,
some bad. Madagascar seems to me to be a special case - more than any other country
I've visited it inspires a particular devotion and an awareness of its fragility, both environ-
mental and cultural. Wildlife is definitely profiting from the attention given it and from the
emphasis on ecotourism. For the people, however, the blessings may be very mixed: some
able Malagasy have found jobs in the tourist industry, but for others the impact of tourism
has meant that their cultural identity has been eroded, along with some of their dignity and
integrity. Village antagonisms are heightened when one or two people gain the lion's share
of tourist revenue and gifts, leading in at least one case to murder, and hitherto honest folk
have lapsed into corruption, alcoholism or thievery.
BEGGARS
Whether or not to give to professional beggars (but not children) is up to you.
My policy is to give to the elderly and, on an extended trip, I also single out 'beggar days'
when I fill my pockets with small change and give to every beggar who looks needy and
over school age. And if I make some trickster's day, so be it.
It is important to make up your mind about beggars before you hit the streets so you
canavoidstandingthererifflingthroughaconspicuouslyfatwalletforalow-denomination
bill.
DEALING WITH CHILD BEGGARS
The unintentional effect of giving sweets, pens,
money or whatever to children can be seen in any popular resort. Kids trail after you,
grabbing your hands and beseeching you for gifts. Many tourists are simply worn down by
their persistence andgivein,thusperpetuating theproblem. Bill French who,with hiswife
Nina has made two long trips by bicycle in Madagascar, offers the following advice: 'Just
don'tgiveanything.Ignoretheirbeggingandchangethesubject,eg:do
cinque,cinque
(fist
to fist), amuse them - sing, play, do tricks or just chatter away. These are skills you have
to work on. Just don't give to anybody. Salve your conscience by giving a larger lump of
money to an organised charity that will distribute more fairly and where needed.'
