This blog post was written by our Creative Communications & Events Officer, Megan Henderson.
View from the top of a crater in Marsabit, Kenya.
Travelling abroad isn’t new to many of us. In fact about 1 billion people travel internationally each year, but how many of us are travelling to see a community’s transformation? When you visit a programme with Five Talents, it doesn’t just make an impact on the community, you change your own life. Our entrepreneurs love when visitors attend their Group meetings to learn all they have achieved, and seeing our work with the most marginalised communities around the world humbles you to your very core.
But what should you expect when travelling in East Africa? Here are some of our Dos, Don’ts and expert travel tips!
Do pack clothes you’re comfortable in, but don’t be surprised when you get funny looks! In many of the communities we work in women are expected to dress more modestly, so while the sun is shining and it is tempting to wear your running shorts we ask women travelling with us to bring lots of skirts and dresses to show the communities that we respect them. Men too should wear trousers rather than shorts when visiting rural communities or church. We have a saying in the office: cover knees & wear sleeves!
Do bring your camera, but be sensitive. When travelling anywhere it’s always handy to have a camera (or your phone) so you can capture lots of memories - but it is always important to respect other people’s privacy; would you want to be photographed by a stranger as you walked through your local market? Always ask permission before you take a photo of anyone - and in particular, never take photos of children without their parent / guardian’s consent. Some people in the communities you visit will not be used to being photographed and may find it alarming.
Do have fun, but don’t put yourself in harm’s way. Travelling in East Africa isn’t all that different from travelling to other places across the globe - wherever you go, it is best to travel in groups and let others know where you are going and how long you’ll be before you head off. On our trips, we ask you not to go out after dark alone.
Do embrace African Time! Although we always set out with an itinerary for our trips, it’s important to remember some things just go a bit differently when you arrive. Our local partners always know where we’re going, but they don’t want to rush us through any experience. Communities where we work are patient, and they live at a more relaxed pace than some of us city workers are used to! So be prepared to leave your watch at home!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but do find the right time to ask them. Seeing how things operate can bring up lots of questions, and our hosts will always be happy to answer them, but be prepared for extensive greetings and introductions before the Q&A! Ceremony is a huge part of the culture in many places where we work, introductions are a part of showing courtesy to newcomers.
Expect long distances & bumpy roads. There’s not much we can say to this one except that it makes for a fun, unforgettable journey, and you’ll bond with your fellow travellers faster than ever when you’ve rattled along an tarmacked road together. Of course safety is always our priority, but you’ll come home with at least one interesting journey to tell friends about.
Don’t forget some loo roll and hand-sanitizer in your pocket for those long journeys; loo facilities may be more basic than you are used to when we’re visiting projects (although don’t worry, all the hotels we use have ‘proper’ facilities). It’s a good idea to carry snacks too; we take good care of supporters while they’re far from home, and we always hope they’ll be open to trying new foods. But sometimes you just want a pack of your favourite biscuits to munch on at the end of the day.
Don’t bring gifts for people. This is a tough one - when you’ve seen the poverty, it is tempting to want to give money to people you meet who might request it. But as outsiders, we can never really understand the relative needs of different people in the community, and we can inadvertently make things worse. If you are moved to help street children you see (for example), far better to ask our local partner if there is a regulated charity or orphanage you could support. Also, giving ‘hand-outs’ can undermine the ethos of Five Talents projects, which is all about giving a hand up, rather than a handout, by using the resources communities already have. We still struggle with this!
Do talk to your fellow travellers, friends and Five Talents’ hosts if you’re struggling to process anything you’ve witnessed. Especially if you have never travelled in a developing country before, it’s a lot to come to terms with. We all struggle at times, but it is good to talk and process together.
DO share what you see. There are so many people who are unable to travel, or unsure about travelling to East Africa. It is such a unique, enriching experience, and you should share it with everyone you know.
Most of all, DO expect a lot of laughs, the most wonderful welcome from the warmest communities you will ever meet, and a truly life-changing experience!
Join us on a supporter trip to Karamoja, Uganda in July 2020. My first trip to East Africa was with Five Talents to Karamoja. I met inspiring entrepreneurs and hardworking programme staff who changed my life - you can meet them too! Learn more about visiting Karamoja by contacting us at info@fivetalents.org.uk today or visit our website.