Guidelines for visiting slums

We’ve developed unique insights after spending a great deal of time working, and staying, in slum communities throughout India. As such, we consider ourselves somewhat authorities in this area.

As such, it is important that we share with anyone fortunate enough to spend time in these communities advice to ensure a safe experience. Largely you just need to have the right attitude and use a little common sense, but some practical items can help as well.

1. Try to secure an invitation prior to visiting a community

• Members of these communities are justifiably proud and protective of their homes and deserve advanced notice of your interloping.
• Doing so will also help assuage the “shock” of having a non-member traipsing through their community. This will allow you to experience their everyday life more organically.

2. Do not take photographs or videos without permission

• Again, just use some common sense here. Imagine how you would feel if someone showed up to your town and did this.

3. Be friendly

• These are not zoos. The people are not objects to ogle. They are human beings and deserve to be treated as such.
• Outsiders draw a lot of attention. Be prepared to be approached by a lot of people. Keep in mind, though, that the allure of your presence will wear out eventually; just keep going about what you’re doing.

4. Use extreme caution in consuming water

• Water is always offered to a guest in India and it is polite to consume it, even if just a sip. If you’re uncertain about doing this, find a polite way to refuse it. We’ve found simply explaining that since our stomachs aren’t used to the water we could get ill sufficed.
• It should be noted that I drank copious amounts of water on a recent slum home-stay and it resulted in a trip to the hospital and a battery of antibiotics; I now avoid drinking any of the water.

5. Bring a gift if you’re fortunate enough to be invited to stay with a family

• A small token of thanks for their hospitality is richly deserved.
• Money should not be given, though. Try giving a gift that is contextually relevant and not overly extravagant. A pocket radio or a tiffin for the home works.
• Hold off on giving the gift until the end of your visit.

6. Smile, smile, smile

• Some sights in these communities will be difficult to take, but keep in mind you’re in someone’s home. They deserve and want better for themselves and are doing the best they can given the resources they have access to. They don’t need to feel judged or degraded in any way.

7. A little insect repellent goes a long way

• Mosquitoes in India carry malaria, dengue fever, and a host of other diseases.

8. What we perceive to be standard amenities (Western and Indian) are not typically available.

• Toilets are shared, if they exist at all. Bathing is done out of buckets and often in the open. Your bed may be a concrete floor.
• Approach this visit for what it is: an opportunity to experience something new and different.

These are but a few pieces of advice to ensure your visit is a happy and safe one.