What to get for kids ?
 

We will be visiting Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda in August, and would like to bring along a few gifts for kids we will meet, either in schools or elsewhere. I have read several suggestions about what kids in these areas need or want and I know I will be bringing a few balls because I can't imagine a kid that won't be thrilled with a ball, but I would like some more opinions from people who have been there rather recently. Obviously any items should better be light and not bulky.

Thanks in advance

Could I suggest that whatever you give the kids you buy in those countries (If that`s possible for you to do) We went to an orphanage and school in Tanzania near the Crater and there were lots of stationary stores in Karatu to buy school supplies, very inexpensively (and lots of toys too). We feel it helps the local economy if you buy it there rather than bringing it.

If you have access to any football jerseys they will be extremely grateful for those.
Balloons are also always very welcome.
All sorts of school stuff: pens, books (also used one on geography e.g.), paper blocks, pencils/rubber, measures.....anything.
For ladies we have always manicure sets, cosmetics (smaples) which I collect at beauty parlors.


Happy travels!

SV ((@))

I recently took 6 flattened full sized footballs, 1 for the camp staff and the rest for the local school. Each came with a small pump. I thought it was an ok idea, but was blown away with a whole package of thank you drwaings and letters and notes. It transpired that they turned the whole "small" gift into a school project. This was from the nearest village to the main gate at Selous.
I do think pens, pencils, stationary are a great idea,but some fun stuff is almost as beeficial. I'm slightly embarrassed by the response I received for just donating some footballs.

DRJO - BTW, where did you get the footballs? What a great idea to mix fun in as well. I'd like to take some needed and wanted items along as well.