Cancún Travel Answers

If you've been using the term "NGO" I can undersand the hesitation of the travel agency. Such groups are often seen as political in their activities ... mostly, but not always, spelled with a small "p". I think a local orphanage would welcome you and your family spending a day, or part of the day, with them and the children there. Rather than bringing clothes or other materials, why not just donate cash the day you visit? Easier all the way around. Faith-based organizations might be the ones to concentrate on. They'll be easier to identify. Not all orphanages in Mexico are honest in their dealings and you wouldn't want to provide support for the questionable ones. I don't see where any risks to the safety of you or your family comes into play ... in Cancun. It's good of you to want to do something to help.

Change your travel agent since they are telling you information that is incorrect. There are people in Cancun who set up information for kids (make a GiveaToyGetaSmile.org is the name of the group run by expat nurses.) They would love the school supplies, etc and can help you find what you are looking for. As for the dangers, if you seek out the danger you will find it. Otherwise you will be just fine and will have a great time.

I did actually think the back streets of Cancun were rather dangerous, and don't see the problem with the expression "NGO" which is a perfectly normal means of referring to people who are not part of the government but trying to do something in the social, development, etc. field, irrespective of political affiliation (and since when was "political" a dirty word, anyway? Used as such, all it means is that someone disapproves of the politics in question, no doubt they don't see their own position as political at all!) I think this is the sort of thing required, but unfortunately there is no project in Cancun on the list: stuffyourrucksack.com/syr-su... - perhaps it will nevertheless provide inspiration. And if you find a deserving local school or project, perhaps you could register it with SYR so that others could follow in your footsteps. You might already have found this, which lists a children's home in Cancun: familytravelnetwork.com/arti... - you could perhaps ask at your hotel about their reputation and/or alternatives.

I suggest that you dump your travel agency. Obviously they do not understand where real dangers lie in Mexico or the idea that anyone would want to see and be involved in anything in a country outside a tourist attraction with international tourist facilities. Their response to you is similar to the one I get from people in the USA who have never traveled, let alone gone outside the hotel life, when they hear of my experiences. I would expect more of a Belgium travel agency. Now, there are some areas in Mexico where the dangers of the drug wars make it inadvisable to visit for a holiday. If the streets were safe, I doubt that visiting small villages, schools, orphanages would be of any extra danger. One exception would be NGOs involved in drug rehabilitation. I have read of murderous attacks (particularly recently in Veracruz) by drug cartel factions who apparently meant to kill rivals thought to be hiding in centers.) I would suggest that you not limit yourselves to Cancun. It is a tourist town filled with people from all over Mexico involved in the tourist industry. (Something like Las Vegas, USA.) I would think that a more Mayan town would be better. The real challenge is to match good intentions with real need. Usually to do this well you have to find a personal connection. As I am sure that you are aware, the internet can leave a lot to be desired on this score. Also with airline luggage restrictions bulky or very heavy things can be hard to bring. (On this score clothing and school supplies are not expensive in Mexico and it can be easier/cheaper to purchase what is needed even used clothing than to import it yourselves.) Although small independent orphanages etc. can be more cost effective than bigger organizations, I would suggest that you explore larger religious organizations particularly any that might have offices in Belgium. (You do not have to be a believer to help them.) Your best bet might be a Catholic parish in Belgium; the priest might know somebody who knows somebody . . . Although gifts to institutions and cash going into the right hands can be the most efficient way to have an impact, there is a lot to be said for personal gifts. Customs regulations and security can hinder these efforts. (I had a friend who had an inflated soccer ball confiscated prior to boarding a plane --he should have put it inside his luggage.) Even though you can buy sports equipment in Mexico, I would suggest that you consider sports equipment or electronic (hopefully in Spanish and educational) games that your children could carry and leave with children at a school or orphanage after playing with them there. A Belgium team soccer shirt is sure to be prized. They could be given individually, exchanged Belgium child to Mexican child, or even with your numbers you could put the whole family in team shirts add a couple extra in your luggage and supply a whole school team. Just an idea. Good luck. bob

I think you should contact individual organizations and ask them, just see what type of response you get. And yes anything political is to be avoided, it is illegal for foreigners to mix in politics here and that is enforced with deportation. People do usually prefer cash donations and its easier on you, but the idea of electronic games for kids would be super popular I think.