Tichka pass and local kids

[gren_t]

HI all
I have just returned from 3 weeks touring morroco in all the times i travelled around the pistes i found kids of various ages pretending to moving stones from the road as i pass and asking for sweets, dirham or stylo etc in return.

Personally i never give anything not 'cause i'm tight or hard faced but after seeing a kid get roughed up in senegal last year over a rubber ball i gave him I swore never to do it again, however on the road to the tichka pass from Ait-Ben there was a distinct change in atmosphere, as i passed slowly the kids banged the panels of the discovery and one actually kicked the rear panel.
How long before if you dont give sweets they throw stones?

never had this response in the past,or other roads but am sure it is due to the large number of tour 4x4's that use this road.

am I alone in not giving?

PS.was also flagged down( hands out and palms down) on piste to merzouga by a guy on a moped, I stopped to help and was asked for in order : cigarettes,tobacco,dirham, water. i got back in car and drove off.

any views?

regards to all

Gren

[Tim Cullis]

Giving handouts to kids only encourages bad behaviour and the piste you mention (via Telouet) is used by ALL the Spanish 4x4 clubs and other 4x4 tours.

Some bikers have reported stone throwing but this is something that I've not experienced personally, possibly because I tend to stop and chat to the kids.

[Caminando]

I agree with both of you - this giving on demand is a curse for all concerned.

[Toby2]

We found it alot in Africa, particularly in the Atlas and whilst talking to the kids is good, you simply can't do that all the time. Found it very scary as loads of small kids including toddlers coming running in front of the vehicle seemingly oblivious to the danger. Didn't get too many chucking stones but just very worrying that there might be an accident. Most of the stone throwing came in places like Chad, unfortunately not a lot you can do about it. If you do try and stop, they just leg it and if you abandon your vehicle, risk you will get robbed plus not much you can do even if you do get hold of them. Bit worse if your on a motorcycle and highly unpleasant if you are on a push bike but not too bad in a vehicle.

[Eric DN]

Hi
Giving sweets pens etc...is not a good use, because at the end kids prefer stay on the edge of the tracks waiting tourists instead to go to school.
I have heard that some spanish 4X4 threw handful sweets without stop in the village, very bad usage, this is why now if you don't give anything they become angry.
I received a small stone on my boots between Jaffar and Imilchil, I stop and screamed, and after discuss with kids and laughed with them.
I just gave some bread and fruits to two small girls ( 4 or 5 years) near to Zagora, they said nothing and asked for nothing. Some time you can not avoid having compassion

[Caminando]

Originally Posted by Eric DN

Hi
Giving sweets pens etc...is not a good use, because at the end kids prefer stay on the edge of the tracks waiting tourists instead to go to school.
I have heard that some spanish 4X4 threw handful sweets without stop in the village, very bad usage, this is why now if you don't give anything they become angry.
I received a small stone on my boots between Jaffar and Imilchil, I stop and screamed, and after discuss with kids and laughed with them.
I just gave some bread and fruits to two small girls ( 4 or 5 years) near to Zagora, they said nothing and asked for nothing. Some time you can not avoid having compassion

But Eric, by giving stuff (even to kids who do not ask) you make the problem worse, like the Spanish 4X4..... Please dont do it......

[Eric DN]

Originally Posted by Caminando

But Eric, by giving stuff (even to kids who do not ask) you make the problem worse, like the Spanish 4X4..... Please dont do it......

Yes I know the consequences , but I juste gave bread water and fruit, I think it's not the same as pens and sweets. Since I had some think to eat in my bag and I saw those poor little girls I couldn't not to share my bread.
Picasa Albums Web - Eric - Maroc J4

I gave also bread and cheese to a guy who helped us to cross a flooding river to avoid big holes, I think for a real service we have to pay some thinks

I gave pens also but not to the kids, I stop in a school, discuss with the teacher and gave him the pens.

We cannot go in this country and just tacking advantage without let some monney, But I agree not any old how.