In Reply to: I agree, how else do they survive ? posted by Fernandez on Wednesday, 12. September 2007 at 12:48 Bali Time:
Sorry everyone to burst some peoples bubble but if you are a frequent traveller to bali,you will realise that some of these so called beggars are a group who keep their children dirty underfed and sick to gain money.You will see local businesses and balinese who look very poorly on these people so they know what type of rorte they are doing.The worst are the leggless and disabled that are dropped off reguarly in jalan padma utara, I never give money unless I do see old or people going through the garbage BUT i do buy food and drink and give to the children(sometimes it is thrown back at me)especially if the mothers get angry with the children taking them and demand money instead.I have seen first hand mothers with sick babies in alleyways late at night sleeping while babies crawl around in the dirt and Ive seen them counting huge amount of money but never buying food or clothing for these children.I DO buy the rotting fruit brought around for sale on top of the childrens heads on trays,I DO give money to the musicians who walk around the streets singing and banging objects for money so do the balinese because they believe these people try to work for some money.There are many signs in bali asking you not to give to beggars the government believes it is becoming a business and that people who have money actually do this too!I believe if you keep giving money to these beggars you are encouraging there mothers to keep these poor children on the streets in danger the more they make the more they will do it.There are many organisations in bali set up now to help,orphanages arnt only set up for orphans they sponsor children with schooling ,provide food,and clothing so give there at least you know its going to the children not some syndicate thats explots children and disabled.I cant guarantee that all beggars arnt worthy but talk to the balinese they believe in helping each other if they are not giving money to the beggars you have to ask WHY????