Lots of people bring shoes/books/toys from America or Europe to Africa. Westerners no doubt have these things in so much plenty that they become disposable. But, that doesn't mean they should dispose of them in Africa.
From the BBC, an article about old computers sent to Ghana, with this funny photo and anecdote buried in the middle of the story:
To gain an idea of how people in the rich countries sometimes provide inappropriate gifts, you only need to take a look at Ibrahim's footwear which he found abandoned on the same rubbish heap.
He is wearing a pair of red moon boots that once graced European ski resorts.
No, it has not started snowing in steamy Ghana. But this seemingly out-of-place attire provides good protection as Ibrahim trudges through the toxic sludge, smashing screens in search of scrap.
If you're coming to Africa and want to give people material items, skip the overweight luggage fees, get here, ask people what they might want or need, and buy it locally to support the economy and the individual.
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3 comments:
Amen!
I know a family that took extra bags full of flip-flops to Uganda because they always saw pictures of children in bare feet.
I had to break the news to them that flip-flops (slippers) are available in abundance in Uganda. They could have bought them in Uganda and saved themselves a bunch of trouble while supporting the local economy.
I also had to tell that that the kids probably won't wear them anyway. Most children in rural areas don't mind going barefoot. The kids will probably keep the new flip-flops for special occasions.
I told them the same thing that you mentioned. Why didn't they ask a rural Ugandan what they really needed.
Blog on!
Oh :D I just saw that story about the moon boot wearing Ghana boy couple of days ago on the news. I thought his shoes were cool.
Most of the cast-off Western clothing we see in Africa finds its way here through the charity shops and jumble sales of Europe and the US - I doubt our man in Accra was given his moon boots by a passing skier. Surely better for him to wear these boots than plastic slippers (though locally made Wellington boots would be better still!)
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