Travelling Positively
Hilary Bradt
Hilary Bradt
For some years we have actively promoted Giving something back as an extension of responsible travel. However, as one author points out, this suggests that we've taken something in the first place, and since we believe that travel is – or should be – a force for good right from the start, we feel that Travelling positively sums up our ethos more accurately. Positive travel may begin with the decision to visit emerging destinations rather than heavily touristed holiday spots, and develop through checking out local charities that need your help. For many years Bradt authors have included these in their guidebooks, but Kate Humble's website stuffyourrucksack.com brings an up-to-date listing of all organisations needing 'stuff' brought out to them.
We are proud to have been involved with this project, and I can say from first-hand experience that it works. I've just returned from a trip to Namibia, where my group of eight assembled much-needed items to deliver to an after-school children's centre. We can honestly say that the afternoon spent with these delightful children was one of the highlights of the entire trip. We would not otherwise have learned about the struggle to improve the lives of severely deprived youngsters, nor experienced the gratification of knowing that we'd done our bit to help. For some photos from this visit, click here.
For the last ten years or so my Madagascar guidebook has described the work done by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd at the Centre Fihavanana. The centre works with the poorest of the poor, mostly streetkids and their mothers. This year I put out a plea for hand-knitted baby clothes and the response was overwhelming. A steady flow of travellers “stuffed their rucksacks” with baby clothes (actually most took large extra bags) and all have written to me to say how inspiring they found their visit. Here's one of the letters:
Dear Hilary,
I've just returned from Mada after having spent an amazing two months there. I managed to visit the Centre Fihavanana twice during my stay, once at the very beginning and once on my last day in Mada. Both occasions were memorable for different reasons: on the first I dropped off the donations of baby clothes with Soeur Jeanette and she was so happy with them. The second was such an amazing experience as I managed to get to the centre in time for both morning classes and lunchtime. I took along some books and games as another donation, and got shown around the different classrooms after having a very long chat to Soeur Jeanette about the different problems the Malagasy faced, especially having the new generation start life on the streets without food or education. I was so impressed by her determination and the work that she has implemented in the centre, but also by that of the Malagasy nuns who work there.
The classes of kids were impeccably behaved: you would never guess that the children sitting in front of you with their hands clasped on the tiny desks, dressed perhaps not in the latest fashion but nevertheless clean in clothes and shoes, not uttering a single sound despite the fact that there was no teacher in the room &#ibuted to Beks Ndlovu of African Bush Camps. Although the latter acts as an agent for this camp it is in fact, owned, managed and guided by Nick Murray of Bushlife Safaris, and has been for years! Correcting this error also gives me the opportunity to report that the camps have also been updated whereby Vundu is now canvas under thatch and Little Vundu is now the tented camp. Bushlife’s operation includes - Vundu Camp , Little Vundu , Ruwesi Canoe Trails , Mobile Tented Safaris to Chitake Spring. So check Nick’s website www.bushlifesafaris.com for full details or phone + 263 4 442706
Next Month
Paul Sivley from USA is probably the first person to use the book and has just returned from his latest trip to Zim. Look out for his recommendations of more places to stay and eat in Harare.