Nepal is a beautiful country. It worth acknowledging  the disparity of wealth, and name the abhorrent poverty. It may be compelling to feel like you have financial capacity to “make a difference” by reaching into your pocket and giving directly. It’s can be both shocking and heartbreaking to witness begging in the streets, especially by women, children and disabled. We encourage you to be aware that giving directly, especially in tourist district, further promotes child labor,  begging and abuse. Giving sweets, pens, powdered milk,and the like  is more harmful than productive to their livelihood. It continues to perpetuate the cycle of poverty as the cycle is to resell items to get money, and there are organized circles that take cuts from the labor of the street children in order to ensure they stay “safe”. If you’re interested in learning more, here’s a report - it’s older, but continues to be relevant. 

By all means, connect, engage and love our Nepali neighbors -and then move your money in ways that are of service in a more tangible way. Work to be conscious about how you spend your money. Supporting NGOs, Fair Trade establishments, women-run agencies and organizations that are dedicated to community empowerment via buying handicrafts or eating at their cafes will help to ensure ongoing funding. Examples of these places are Dhukuti, Benii Handicrafts, and many more - here’s a blog post to open your eyes to many options. We suggest you spread your spending out throughout your stay to share the literal wealth of your visit. From cafes to storefronts, diversify your experience and support as many family businesses as possible. Your presence and commitment to being a conscious traveler creates an opportunity to make a positive impact.